Attributed to William Pierce Stubbs
(Br. 1842-1909)
Three Masted Schooner Edward R. Bennet Flying a Southern Exclusionary Great Star Flag, c. 1861
Oil on canvas, framed
Unsigned
26" x 36" actual, 40" x 30 1/4" framed

Other Notes:
This painting of the schooner Edward R. Bennet appears to be a strong early example of the work of William Pierce Stubbs, a respected 19th century American marine painter celebrated for his meticulous depictions of New England ships and coastal scenes. Born in Ohio in 1842, Stubbs later studied at the Art Students League in New York. It is possible that this work was painted during that formative period, around the outbreak of the Civil War. This date and location are further supported by the S. N. Dodge stamp on the verso; Dodge is listed in the New York City directory as a dealer in paints and colors at the noted address between 1826 and 1865. The absence of a signature is not uncommon for Stubbs, many of his known works are unsigned. While the 26 x 36 inch format is less typical for Stubbs, it may be explained by the early nature of the piece, created before he settled into the more standardized sizes seen later in his career. The painting itself portrays the ?Edward R. Bennet?, a three masted schooner shown under sail. Though the painting's surface is darkened by age and discolored varnish, test cleanings in the sky and along the horizon indicate the colors beneath remain vibrant and intact, with the potential to brighten considerably after conservation. Flying from the ship?s stern are two rare 21 star Southern Exclusionary ?Great Star? flags (fig. 1), these flags were early Civil War era Union flags distinguished by a large central star surrounded by a wreath or of twenty smaller stars. As noted by historian and dealer Jeff Bridgman on his website (fig. 2), this unusual star-shaped configuration was briefly used in 1861 by Union loyalists who refused to include the seven seceded Confederate states in the national banner. The flag stands as a potent visual statement of resistance to secession and loyalty to the United States during the war?s uncertain opening months. The schooner Edward R. Bennet appears in the Record of American and Foreign Shipping published in 1872, though inconsistently listed under variant spellings. It is recorded erroneously as ?Edward R. Bennett,? captained by Edward M. Boyce and assigned ship number 4600, and again as ?Edwin R. Bennet? out of Staten Island. These entries suggest the vessel remained in service well after the likely date of this painting and contribute to its traceable maritime history. The inclusion of the rare flag not only helps securely date the painting to around 1861, but also elevates the work beyond a ship portrait, transforming it into a rare example of patriotic expression and political symbolism in maritime art.