Description:
M. Renault (France, 19th Century)
Ship Houghton Wm. G. Percy Commander, entering the Port of Leghorn, November 24th, 1862.
Signed "Painted by M. Renault" and identified in the legend.
Oil on canvas, 20 x 34 1/2 in., in a molded giltwood frame.
Condition: Relined, retouch primarily to open areas of water and sky.
Note: The Houghton was a full-rigged ship built and originally owned by Levi Houghton & Sons in Bath, Maine, in 1849. In an entry in the Annual Report on Foreign Commerce (published in Executive Documents printed by order of The House of Representatives during the Third Session of the Thirty-Seventh Congress),dated December 31, 1862, it is stated that there were quite a few American vessels (presumably the Houghton was one) arrived or expected in the last quarter of that year. The optimistic writer speculates that this "respectable showing" indicated increased future trade through that Italian port alone - in export products such as marble, olive oil, silk, soap, and wine (the last of which he speculates "will speedily find [its] way to the markets of the world"),pp. 517-518.
Estimate $8,000-12,000
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Bath, FranceStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224