Early portrait of the American barque Cornwall, o/c, signed “B Geifford (?)”. The painting depicts the Cornwall with its top sails furled, having just come out of a storm. Fragmented writing on the back of the frame indicates that the ship is out of Boston, rounding Cape Hatteras.
It is worth noting that the Cornwall is flying a very early American flag known as the Cowpens flag. This flag, with 12 stars in a circle and the thirteenth in the center, is said to have first been carried at the Battle of Cowpens in 1777 and later in the war of 1812. We believe its use by the Cornwall suggests that this painting dates from the late 18th or early 19th century. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find any record of an American barque named the Cornwall or of "B. Geifford", the artist, that would substantiate this belief.
The painting is in very good condition, having been professionally conserved, with relining and some inpainting.
Dimensions: 32¾” x 22¾”; Viewed Area: 29¾” x 19¾”
Item No. 230066
Price: $8,800.
