This spectacular yacht racing scene captures the moment of victory for the Schooner IDLER, winner of the Brenton's Reef Challenge Cup on July 27, 1876, crossing the finish at New York's Buoy #15 in front of the Schooner WANDERER. Titled verso by the artist Edward Moran, whose popularity was high with his showing in the 1876 American Centennial in Philadelphia, where "A Winning Yacht" was the title of one of three Moran paintings exhibited. We believe this painting is inspired and conceived during that show, painted directly for IDLER's then-owner, Samuel Colgate. Under glass since, it is in excellent condition with fresh, crisp colors.
IDLER, built by Samuel Pook of Fairhaven, Connecticut for William C. Colgate in 1865, was a sleek and fast racing yacht, with an excellent record of victories for more than 12 years. As mentioned, his heir to famous soap-toothpaste company and yacht was his son Samuel Colgate. The family has also closely involved in the Baptist ministry, and higher education.
IDLER won several races this season, and just missed being the America's Cup defender, bested by MADELINE to face COUNTESS OF DUFFERIN in August. In the July race, IDLER won against not only WANDERER but the Schooners TIDAL WAVE, and AMERICA. She'd sell in 1877 to A.J. Fisher of Chicago, and serve as his flagship magnificently until her tragic loss in 1900 on a storm-driven Lake Erie. This painting is at the height of her New York Yacht Club acclaim, a brilliant and vibrant period portrait by Moran.
