An impressive 19th Century maritime painting of the American clipper ‘Ocean Express’

Price: £2150.00

Description: This is the first, and largest (74 cm x 104 cm) of two impressive 19th century maritime paintings of famous American clippers, that we will be offering for sale. The 'Ocean Express' was built in 1854 by J O Curtis at Melford, which is in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts. When we were offered these ship portraits, they were not in the best of condition (please see image). Each canvas had been pierced in several areas which had caused some paint loss. However, we felt, because of the important role they played in America's maritime past and their high decorative appeal, they deserved some sympathetic conservation. Before we started work, the backs of each canvas were photographed to document the notation on the reverse (please see image). The canvases have now been re-lined with fine linen using wax as the bonding agent - this traditional method, may not be the most visually appealing, but it stabilises the painted surface during times of atmospheric change, and allows future conservators to reverse the work we have undertaken if required - two very important factors when undertaking conservation work. We have added a further layer of fine linen to disguise the wax lining and add a secondary layer of protection. Thanks to 'The Maritime Heritage Project' we have been able to provide the following interesting information - The Ocean Express was the largest vessel built at Medford. She was launched July 10; 1854. While she was a hard-working ship; she never fulfilled her builder's boast that she was "first in speed; first in beauty; and first in the world of water." While she was a handsome ship; her passages to San Francisco were among the slowest of the Clipper ships of her time. August 29, 1854, The Daily Union, Sacramento, California ANOTHER SPLENDID CLIPPER. The Boston Times gives the subjoined description of a new and magnificent clipper. The Ocean Express is 2000 tons burthen. Her frame is of well-seasoned white oak, with yellow pine planking. Length of keel 213 feet- length over all 230 feet; breadth of beam 42 feet; depth of hold 24 feet 6 inches. She has two decks with three sets of beams. Her between decks are airy and commodious; rendering her one of the best passenger vessels, if she should be assigned that service, there is afloat. She can easily accommodate 800 passengers. The Ocean Express has three kelsons, 16 inches square, two sister kelsons 15 inches square, one thick strake on the bilge, 15 inches; her thick works are graduated from 15 to 9 inches, to the first tier of beams. She is heavily square fastened from stem to stern; and is copper butt and bilge bolted throughout. She has two garboard strakes, 7 inches thick, flush down to 4-1/2 inches, which is the thickness of her bottom planking. Her wales are of yellow pine, 5-1/2 inches thick. Bulwarks outside two inches, ceiled up inside with 2-1/2 inch hard pine. She has two houses on deck. The forward house is 48 feet long, and has accommodations for 40 seamen, galley, sail room, and two rooms for boys -- the practice of keeping the boys from the men having been generally adopted and found to work to advantage. The after house is fifty-two feet long, and is separated into two cabins, the after one being fitted up in luxurious style, with mahogany furniture and elegant fixtures, satin wood panels, beautiful mirrors, etc. There are in the cabin five largo state rooms for passengers, besides the captain's room, which is a lovely, little nest. The forward cabin contains two state rooms for passengers ; also, officers accommodations, steward's pantry and sleeping room, etc. The mainmast of the Ocean Express is 90 feet long, 33 inches in diameter this, with the foremast and bowsprit are made masts, heavily hooped with iron. The bowsprit is 41 feet long, 20 feet outboard. The main yard is 90 feet long and 24 inches in diameter; the other Y

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