29

JAMES EDWARD BUTTERSWORTH

(Anglo-American, 1817-1894)

The Start of the Great 1866 Transatlantic Yacht Race

oil on canvas
signed J.E. Buttersworth lower right
24 x 32 1/4 in., frame: 33 3/8 x 41 1/2 in.

  • Provenance: A Prominent California Collection; Vallejo Gallery, California; A Museum Collection, Minnesota; Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, August 27, 2016, Lot 74; Private Collection.
  • Notes: Vallejo Gallery (Newport Beach, CA) label verso.

    On December 11, 1866, three schooners began their journey across the North Atlantic from Sandy Hook to the coast of the Isle of Wight in England, in what became known as the first ever transatlantic yacht race. The race is said to have been the result of a drunken debate between three wealthy American businessmen - Pierre Lorillard, George Osgood, and James Gordon Bennett, Jr. - who all believed their respective yacht to be the fastest among the group.
    In The Start of the Great 1866 Transatlantic Yacht Race, 19th century maritime painter James E. Buttersworth depicts the three yachts at the start of the race - each identified by the colored flag atop their mast. At left, Osgood's "Fleetwing" wears the red flag and to the right, Lorillard's "Vesta" sports the white flag. Bennett's "Henrietta", wearing the blue flag, is pictured prominently in the center of the work - perhaps an indicator of the outcome of the race as "Henrietta" was the first of the three to reach the Isle of Wight, finishing in 13 days, 21 hours, and 45 minutes.
  • Condition: Strip-lined, with stable craquelure throughout, primarily visible in light; UV examination reveals minor inpainting, primarily along edges. Presents nicely, ready to hang.

    Please note: All property is sold "AS IS" and any statement, whether oral or written, is given as a courtesy and shall not be deemed as a guarantee, warranty, or representation of the authenticity of authorship, physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, provenance, exhibitions, literature or historical relevance of the property or otherwise. The absence of a condition report does not imply the item is in perfect condition.

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