$6,463
American School, 19th Century Portrait of the USS Independence. Unsigned, an inscription on the reverse of the backing identifies the artist as "D. Young," the ship identified and dated by inscriptions below "U.S. Ship Independence at Monte Video 17th May 1838." Watercolor on paper, 17 5/8 x 23 7/8 in., framed. Condition: Laid down, cleaned and restored. Note: The Independence was the first ship-of-the-line commissioned in the U.S. Navy. She was launched June 22, 1814, from the Boston Navy Yard and was first stationed with the frigate Constitution to protect Boston Harbor, then became part of the American naval might in Barbary ports, in keeping the peace treaties and dealing with piratical acts. After a diplomatic voyage to receive the Emperor of Russia in 1837 she departed to Rio de Janeiro where she became a flagship of the Brazil Squadron to guard American commerce along the eastern seaboard of South America. She later had several recommissions, totaling 98 years in service to the United States Navy.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2004-11-07
