ORIGINAL 1896 C MCKNIGHT SMITH 'FIRST OF THE AMERICA'S CUP RACES BETWEEN THE MADELEINE AND COUNTESS OF DUFFERIN SAILED AUGUST 11, 1876. RUNNING HOURS THE COUNTESS OF D TURNING THE LIGHTSHIP' PAINTING
I recently acquired an incredible archive of sailing and America's cup races by artist, illustrator, and writer, C McKnight Smith. In doing research, I was surprised that I was unable to find a comprehensive biography about the artist. What I have found is that he was known for his Nautical paintings from the late 19th Century into the early 20th Century. In 1891 he published a book 'Drift from the Sea of Life' that was a compilation of his sailing paintings paired with poems about the sea life. His works very rarely come to market as I have only a handful with 2 of those 4 having sold at Christies for thousands of dollars. Also all the ones I have found are from later in the 20th Century. None like this and the other early examples I am offering. I also found that he was a writer about boats as well as his works were published in the Scientific American in the 1920s. If anyone has any other biographical information about the artist, I would really appreciate it.
This is an incredible painting of one of the more important 19th Century America's Cup races. Gouache on illustration board measuring 12 1/2 x 18 1/2 inches. Signed and dated lower left. Overall, painting is in excellent condition. Obvious consistent toning to the background which has caused the sky coloring to fade but not too bad. The boats and the seas are still vibrant and show incredible detail. Really an outstanding example of a rare America's cup painting. Painting is attached into original matte that should be discarded and replaced with new archival matte and frame. On the back of the matte is an original label in what I believe is the artist's hand that is the title and description of this painting. It really adds to the wonderful value of this work. In rematting and framing, I would remove the label and have it attached to the front. Really just an outstanding historical work. If you collect nautical paintings or America's cup paintings, check my store for the others I am offering. FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES NO MATTER HOW MANY OF THE C MCKNIGHT SMITH PAINTINGS YOU PURCHASE. A great opportunity to create in incredible display of sailing paintings.