Dawson biographer Ron Ranson wrote, “By far the largest proportion of Montague Dawson’s paintings depict the clipper ships, so it seems appropriate that the story of these beautiful craft should be told here.

“In the half-century between about 1840 and 1890, the clippers were a race apart – they were undoubtedly the most aesthetically beautiful sailing vessels the world had ever seen. Tall, elegant and twice as fast as any merchant ships before them, they were long and lean with sharp bows, raked masts and a great cumulus of sail.

“Their reign was probably one of the most exciting periods in maritime history. They raced each other across the world’s oceans, their captains were treated like today’s superstars and their names became legendary. Fortunes were wagered on the result of races between them, which might last from Hong Kong to London or from New York round the Horn to San Francisco. Never before had ships stirred seafarers like this. In winds that forced other ships to reef their sails, the clippers flew every possible scrap of canvas, making their masts quiver almost to breaking point, sometimes reaching speeds of 21 knots and making up to 400 miles a day, setting sailing records that would last forever. Inspired by the history of these great ships, Dawson spent almost a lifetime capturing their romance and magic on canvas in his own unequalled style.”

PROVENANCE
Estate of Jane Ecclestone Chapin, Napa Valley, California

Additional Resources

• Absentee & Phone Bid Form
• Montague Dawson’s Past Results
• View Condition Report

Condition ReportSurface is in good condition. Craquelure and inpainting in sky.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders and reflect educated opinions, not facts. All painting frames are sold “as is.” The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions.