$160,000
James Edward Buttersworth (British/American, 1817-1894) Portrait of the Volunteer , c. 1887 Signed "J.E. Buttersworth" l.r. Oil on canvas, 20 x 18 in., in original gilt gesso frame. Condition: Very good. Provenance: Direct descent from a prominent member of the New York Yacht Club, who was a racing enthusiast of the 19th century. Note: The Volunteer was built in 1887 for General Charles J. Paine of Boston. Edward Burgess designed her to defend the America's Cup against the Royal Yacht Squadron's Thistle. The Volunteer was named after Paine's division of black volunteers he commanded during the Civil War. She successfully defeated the Thistle in two matches. Note: While not flying the private signal of General Paine, the vessel is clearly recognizable as the Volunteer because of her clipper bow and her graceful overhanging stern. In this portrait, Buttersworth has the vessel flying the New York Yacht Club's burgee. Paine was one of the most prominent members of the Club, having successfully defended the American's Cup for three consecutive years. Provenance: Direct descent from a Prominent New York Yacht Club racing enthusiast of the late 19th century.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2007-11-04
