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Item ID :PA0709
Buttersworth, James E. (American 1817-1894) Oil on canvas, titled: "Racing in a Strong Breeze", signed lower right: "J E Buttersworth", circa 1855. The painting depicts a yacht race in a heavy breeze. To the left of center is a schooner yacht flying only a single foresail and a reefed main sail from the rear mast. The vessel is painted in excellent detail and shows the American flag flying from the gaff and the New York Yacht Club burgee from the top of the rear mast. One can see the starboard tender on davits with three crew working lines behind the rear mast. At the horizon to the left there is a similar black hull schooner flying the same sail configuration. To the right sailing at an angle towards the central schooner is a sloop heeled over flying only a foresail. The sea is somewhat turbulent with wonderful highlights on the windswept water. The sky is very dramatic with impending gray clouds angling across the canvas. The painting is an excellent example of Buttersworth's early American period and is narrative while at the same time is very atmospheric. The painting retains an old Kennedy Gallery label. (PA-709) Note: A similar painting appears in: Schaefer, Richard J., "J.E. Buttersworth, 19th Century Marine Painter", Mystic, Connecticut, 1975, PLATE IX (following page 116). Condition of painting: Please refer to document folder, for report from Yost Restoration. Condition of frame: The painting has a period gold leaf frame which bears the label of Eli Wilner & Co., New York. The frame is in excellent condition and has a mellow age patina.
Dimensions of painting: 12 x 16.
Dimensions of frame: 17 1/4 x 21 3/8
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