Lot 237
Anonymous (American, 20th century CE). "Oliver Cromwell" oil and graphite on board, n.d. Unsigned. A compelling piece of marine folk art depicting the "Oliver Cromwell," the famed 20-gun frigate of the Connecticut State Navy launched in 1776. Executed in oil and graphite on wood by an anonymous American artist, likely in the 20th century, the work captures the ship in full sail beneath a pale, clouded sky, flying the American flag and cutting through calm seas. The name "Oliver Cromwell" is clearly inscribed on the ship's hull, while the delicate rigging and layered sails are rendered with a fine, methodical hand that conveys both movement and historical reverence. The "Oliver Cromwell" was built at Saybrook, Connecticut, under the supervision of Captain Seth Harding and launched on June 13, 1776, as the largest warship of the Connecticut Navy. In 1778, she captured the British vessels "Admiral Keppel" and "Cyrus" near St. Kitts, marking a celebrated victory before her eventual capture by the British off Sandy Hook, New Jersey, in 1779. Recommissioned as HMS "Loyalist," the ship later served the Royal Navy and was eventually seized by the French, who renamed her "Loyaliste" and returned her to American command. This painting reflects a deep respect for early American maritime history and the folk tradition of ship portraiture, where the artist's interest lies less in technical precision and more in spirit, symbolism, and storytelling. The choice of muted tones, disciplined composition, and carefully etched details create a nostalgic tribute to both the craftsmanship of colonial shipbuilding and the mythic heroism of the Revolutionary seas. Size of painting: 23.25" W x 18.5" H (59.1 cm x 47 cm); of frame: 28.25" W x 23.5" H (71.8 cm x 59.7 cm)
Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015
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#198233
- Condition: Mounted in custom frame; gallery paper on verso inhibits ability to examine verso of board. Some chipping to pigment on frame. Small sketch of a seagull to the middle left side. Some scuffs and marks throughout, as well as light surface grime. Otherwise, very nice with good pigments and clear imagery. Suspension wire on verso for display.
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