This Fine Painting Has Been Sold. to Scotland. Thank you! BRITISH CLIPPER SHIP ARGUS Ca 1890 Signed by Artist L. Papaluca, the Elder (1890 - 1934) Gouache on paper Signed LR Unframed 12 3/4 " L x 18 3/4" H Framed 18 1/4" H x 24 1/4" L Presented is a pristine watercolor by the well known Neapolitan pierhead artist Luca Papaluca of Italy who was quite prolific in the last part of the 19th Century and the early 20th Century. He is mainly noted for his water colors and Gouache, but in rare occasions worked in oil. His ship and yacht portraits bring considerable sums. Note the crew in the rigging which are either furling or making sail. The ship is moving at a good clip and there is a "bone in her teeth". The coloring and draftsmanship are of the highest quality making this offering a exemplary example of Papaluca, the father's, most desirable form of work CONDITION: The painting in excellent condition. The frame has a couple of chips. AUCTIONEER CHRISTIE'S sold two interesting Gouache by Papaluca on May 16, 2007 of M.Y. Princess, R.C.Y.C., 15 1/4 x 17 1/4 in, and S.Y. Fantome II, R.Y.S., formerly the Barque Belem, built 1896 she is back in French hands and sailing under her original name, 17 1/2 x 27 1/2 in. Princess sold for $3840.00, and Fantome II / Belem, $5280.00 The prices included fees. Both were titled signed in the lower right as in the Argus painting. The photographs were taken shooting through glass and the colors are much more vibrant than shown here and are without the yellow caste. THE ARTIST: Luca Papaluca, 1890 - 1934, was a Pierhead Painter from Naples, who primarily painted in gouaches and water colors on paper which mainly show sailing ships, steamers and yachts on their visits to the Bay of Naples. He also painted historical subjects to a lesser extent. Sometimes, he painted a pictures showing the vessel in calm conditions and another of the same vessel in stormy weather. On rare occasions he is known to have painted in oil. His work should not be confused with his son who migrated to the America and was working as late as the 1960. The son did mostly seascapes and naval historical scenes of lesser quality. CLIPPER SHIP ARGUS: Little is known of the Argus, but she advertised her fast sailing abilities on cards to attract passenger as a “fast-sailing British Bark”. One such card says she was sailing under as a “Neutral Flag for Marseilles.” This is important because she sailed during the American Civil War, probably carrying goods and passengers to France, under French Registry, and neutrality and speed would both contribute to an uninterrupted voyage. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling. OUR UNCONDITIONAL “NO NONSENSE“ GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. A beautiful painting of the Classic Age of Sail Clipper Ship, ARGUS worthy of the serious collector. Copyright 2011 - 2007 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved