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PERCY A. SANBORN (American, 1849-1929) PORTRAIT OF THE SHIP ‘GREAT REPUBLIC’”

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
PERCY A. SANBORN (American, 1849-1929) PORTRAIT OF THE SHIP ‘GREAT REPUBLIC’”
Large oil on canvas ship portrait shows four mast Clipper ship sailing left to right. The ship is in full sail flying American flag at stern, name at both stern and bow. Nine men can be seen on deck, one at top of mast. Off stern is a double stack steam-and-sail ship and off the port bow can be seen a variety of ships with what appears to be Lands End, England in the distance. This was her maiden voyage from which she left New York in 1855 making the trip in 13 days. Several seagulls fly over a wavy blue and sunlit ocean. Blue sky and white clouds. Signed lower right “Percy Sanborn”. Script legend at bottom of painting “Ship Great Republic; Joseph Limeburner, Master. Donald McKay, Builder, So. Boston, 1853. As rebuilt after fire of Dec. 26, 1853”. Housed in its original gold molded wood frame. The ship in the painting is 34” long. Accompanying the painting is the original two-page description of this ship in what appears to be the handwriting of Percy Sanborn. The handwriting matches the legend on the bottom of the painting. The Great Republic was designed and built by Donald McKay, East Boston, 1853. 4555 tons; 335 feet long; 53’ beam; 38’ depth (largest wooden ship ever built). Captain Lymeburner was a native of Penobscot Bay, Maine. Donald McKay (1810-1880) was a 19th Century ship building genius. Some information is included with the lot regarding McKay. In 1872 it was abandoned off Bermuda in a hurricane. PROVENANCE: From a New Hampshire home where it has descended in the family for at least 40 years. SIZE: 27” x 46”. CONDITION: Original untouched condition. Discolored varnish layer, a cleaning will enhance the painting significantly. 9-94599