James E. Buttersworth
A painting that prominently illustrates why James E. Buttersworth is the most sought after of the American artists who painted 19th Century yachting scenes, this active portrait of the Boston Sloop WHISTLER has the blend of historic content and artistic excellence that is to be admired and reveled in. Shown just off Bowditch Ledge outside of Salem, WHISTLER is stiff sheeted and slicing the water at a nice pace, clearly enjoying the moment. Boston Yacht Club member E.A. Dow's red, white and blue private signal is raised high atop, and the American Yachting Ensign is displayed so the sailors may bypass any sort of U.S. Customs inspection upon their return to home port.
Built in 1870 by the Delano Yard of Boston, the Black-Hulled Sloop was owned by a succession of members of the Boston Club after Dow, with the pennant taking on some alterations to its shape and color for each new owner. Several sails suggest that other sloops are following in the day's cruise with WHISTLER, while the strong form of an American merchant ship is headed out to the Northern Atlantic current, possibly for Europe.
A magnificent sky sets the day's mood, with luminous colors on the underside of the storm-threatening depth seen within the darker gray atmosphere, while billowy clouds hold the horizon line for at least the nine vessels present in this painting, clearly illustrating the busy nature of the waters off Massachusetts. Fort Lee resident and practicing inventor Charles S. Watkins purchased this painting at some point in the 19th Century, and it traveled westward with his family for a period for more than 100 years as a prized possession. Viewing the work of art in person the reason why remains clear.
