Portrait of the Steamship Martha Washington, 1864

Details

James Bard (1815-1897)
Portrait of the Steamship Martha Washington, 1864
signed, dated and inscribed DRAWN & PAINTED BY JAMES BARD. NY. 1864/ 162 Perry Street lower right
oil on canvas
29 7/8 x 50 in.

Provenance

The Mariner's Museum, Newport News, Virginia
Sold, Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 3 November 2001, lot 66
Sold, Christie's, New York, 17-18 January 2008, lot 733

Literature

Anthony J. Peluso, Jr., The Bard Brothers Painting America Under Steam and Sail (New York, 1997), p. 118.

Lot Essay

Previously in the collection of the Mariner's Museum of Newport News, Virginia, this portrait of the steamship Martha Washington represents the fully executed version of a drawing still in the collection of the museum. As an excursion boat, the Martha Washington was primarily used to follow the New York Yacht Club regattas. In 1870, the ship was sold to the U.S. Lighthouse Board, whereupon her name was changed to Violet.

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