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American Frigate in a Hurricane
American Frigate in a Hurricane
American Frigate in a Hurricane

American Frigate in a Hurricane

Artist (American, born United Kingdom, 1817 - 1894)
Dateca. 1855
OriginUnited States of America
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions14 × 22 in. (35.6 × 55.9 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III
Object number2017.7
Label TextJames Edward Buttersworth (American, born British, 1817–1894) American Frigate in a Hurricane Oil on canvas, about 1855 Gift of Carolyn K. and Richard F. Barry III This painting of a frigate shows the warship sailing in a hurricane under “bare poles” except for a storm jib, or stay sail. The atmospherics are theatrical and stylized with billowing dark clouds and a lightning bolt. Buttersworth painted a series of this type of scene, each having its own distinctive drama. He could not actually be there to witness the action and imagined this captivating scene. James Buttersworth was a master of marine art during the mid-19th century, the Great Age of Sail. Most of his work centered on New York Harbor scenes, frequently of yachts involved in races.
Status
On view