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Lot Description

Attributed to James E. Buttersworth (1817-1894)

Sovereign of the Seas
oil on canvas
unsigned, titled, and inscribed Built by Donald McKay, verso, with illegible numerical notations, likely specifications of the vessel
15 1/4 x 20 1/2 inches.

This painting was likely based on the widely circulated print To Donald McKay, Esq, Builder of the Magnificent Clipper Ship Sovereign of the Seas, first published by Nathaniel Currier in 1852.

McKay (1810-1880) was a Canadian-born American ship-builder famous for the record-setting speeds achieved by his extreme clippers. Among these vessels was the Sovereign of Seas, built by McKay in New York and launched in 1852. At the time of her construction, the Sovereign was the fastest sailing ship ever built. However, in an untimely turn of events, she was wrecked in the Malacca Straits in 1859.

Condition Report

Framed: 19 1/2 x 25 5/8 inches.

In overall fine and stable condition. Light to moderate deposits of dust and grime to painted surface, with scattered areas of spotting. Frame abrasions present along upper edge and lower left corner, each with associated areas of paint loss. Stable, filled craquelure visible under raking light. Canvas has been relined, with repaired tears visible to verso, including one horizontal repair spanning nearly the entire width of the canvas. UV light examination reveals corresponding areas of inpainting throughout the sky.

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