19th Century Luminist School
Sailing near Sunrise
Oil on canvas, framed
Unsigned; partial Fitzy Henry Lane label on stretcher verso
10 1/4" x 13 3/4" actual, 19 1/2" x 24 1/2" framed

Other Notes:
This luminous marine painting captures a quiet sailing moment near sunrise, rendered in the refined, light-filled manner associated with the American Luminist tradition of the 19th century. Though unsigned, its handling and subject place it firmly within the orbit of New England?s coastal painters. A partially obscured form beneath the surface, pentimenti from earlier composition is daily apparent, revealing gently arcing hull, indicating the canvas was likely reused or reworked. From a larger earlier composition (fig._1), perhaps from something a larger earlier work similar to the Fitz Henry Lane painting now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (fig._2). The visual similarity strengthens the hypothesis that the present canvas may have originated as part of a larger, abandoned or repurposed marine scene. The lining/backing canvas bears the stencil: ?P. Dechaux & Co., Artists Colourmen, New York? (fig._3), a supplier?s mark datable to between 1866 and 1891 (Conservation of Easel Paintings, Katlan & Young, pp. 135?136, fig._5.4). Dechaux was among the premier purveyors of art materials in 19th-century New York, and their stenciled backings appear frequently on American paintings that underwent studio relining or conservation during that period. Painters such as John Frederick Kensett, often had unfinished or damaged canvases relined by assistants or dealers. The present work may have followed a similar path similar to the some of the works of Albert Bierstadt which were laid down to bring to market after his passing.