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James Buttersworth (American, 1817–1894) Schooners Racing off New York Harbor. Circa 1871. Courtesy of Hyland Granby Antiques. |
Sold to a private collector at the Winter Antiques Show, New York
James Buttersworth (American, 1817–1894)
Schooners Racing off New York Harbor, Circa 1871
Signed lower right, J.E. Buttersworth
Oil on canvas, 20 1/2 x 30 1/4 in.
Courtesy of Hyland Granby
The painting depicts a yacht race in New York Harbor. The setting is the upper bay with Castle Garden on the tip of Manhattan on the left, and Castle William on Governors Island on the right; both favorite backgrounds for Buttersworth paintings. Just right of center and under full sail is the yacht Sappho, winner of the America’s Cup in 1871. The Taro Linta, a 120-ft. schooner belonging to H.A. Kent of New York, appears to be the yacht in front of Sappho. The vessels are painted with great detail, even showing sailors in their blue uniforms on the decks.
A particularly vivid sky features pink and purple highlights, and the rolling waves with white foam along their crests are beautifully rendered. There is also wonderful white highlighting around the yachts as they break through the water. |
