The marine paintings by Anton Otto Fischer are as authoritative as only a working sailor could make them.
Born in Munich, Germany, but orphaned as a boy, Fischer ran away to sea at 16 and spent eight years before the mast on a variety of sailing ships. Paid off in New York, he stayed to apply for American citizenship and to teach seamanship on the school ship, St. Mary's. He later served as a hand on racing yachts on Long Island Sound and worked as a model and handyman for the illustrator A.B. Frost. When he had saved enough money, he spent two years at the Académie Julian in Paris under Jean-Paul Laurens.
Returning to the United States, Fischer sold his first picture to Harper's Weekly in 1908, around the time he moved to Wilmington to receive critiques from Howard Pyle. Everybody's Magazine sent him the first of several Jack London stories. In 1910, he began a 48–year association with The Saturday Evening Post, which included illustrating serialized characters such as Peter B. Kyne's "Crappy Ricks," Norman Reilly Raine's "Tugboat Annie," Guy Gilpatrick's "Glencannon," as well as serials for Kenneth Robert and Nordhoff and Hall.
In 1942, he was given the rank of Lieutenant Commander as "Artist Laureate" for the United States Coast Guard and was assigned North Atlantic convoy duty on the Coast Guard cutter Campbell during the winter of 1943. The Campbell was disabled during a successful attack on a German U-boat, and Fischer's dramatic paintings of this experience were published by Life magazine. The pictures are now in the Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut.
In 1947, Fischer wrote and illustrated a book about his earlier sailing years, entitled Focs'le Days: A Story of My Youth, published by Charles Scribner's Sons.
Find original Anton Otto Fischer paintings and prints on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by The Illustrated Gallery)
Anton Otto Fischer Pen and Ink Book Illustration Drawing
By Anton Otto Fischer
Located in New Windsor, NY
A small pen and ink rendering by the famed nautical and maritime artist, Anton Otto Fischer (Fisher) (1882-1962). Matted and backed in cardboard. Signed with initials, AOT, lower lef...
Paper
Rare Port and Starboard Lanterns
Located in Norwell, MA
Rare port and starboard lanterns with Fresnel red and blue/green lenses. Brass cases. Electrified. 6.5 x 6 x 5.5.
Brass
Polished Steel Ships Port and Starboard Lanterns
Located in Norwell, MA
Pair of polished and lacquered ships port and starboard lanterns with clear glass Fresnel lenses, vented chimney tops, carry handles and sliding rear doors. ...
Steel
$930 / item
H 8.67 in Dm 30.32 in
21st Century Almeria Large Towel and Shoes Handwoven Basket with Handles
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Part of the Almeria collection this Pinetti hand-woven basket made with eco-friendly washable and resistant material suitable also for outdoor use. Perfect for shoes holders...
Leather
$769 / item
H 11.03 in W 17.72 in D 25.01 in
21st Century Almeria Oval Towel and Shoes Handwoven Basket Made in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Extremely elegant and versatile, part of the Almeria series. Made with eco-friendly, washable and resistant regenerated leather this oval basket is perfect as a wood holder, in a living room or as shoes or towel basket...
Leather
Carved and Painted Tuna Fish Trade Sign
Located in Norwell, MA
Expertly carved trade sign reminiscent of those that used to hand in the large waterfront fish piers in England. This tuna has been authentically painted, fitted with iron hanging bo...
Wood
Large Danish Maple and Mahogany Pond Yacht Ship Model
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large elegant wooden pond yacht ship model in maple and mahogany. High quality, hand-built. Deck fitted with small screws. Denmark 1920-1930....
Brass
Brass and Steel Yacht Pulley
Located in Norwell, MA
Polished brass and steel yacht pulley. This was completely disassembled and polished. Weight is 1 pound. X-136
Brass, Steel
Ships Wheel with Brass Hub and Inlay
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships wheel with eight turned spokes, mahogany frame, holly inlay and polished brass hub. Weight: 40 LBS Overall Dimensions: 43" Diameter Made: America Material: Wood / Brass Date: ...
Brass
Sailor's Woolwork (Woolie) with Heart Valentine and Flag Surround
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Heartfelt Salute: A Sailor's "Woolie" of Nations Circa 1880 This vibrant and distinctive piece is a prime example of sailor's woolwork, often referred to as a "woolie," a popular ...
Wool
Italian Arts and Crafts Boat Collection
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian boat collection. Bakers rack is unavailable,price is only for the boat collection a set of 5 boats, boats are various dimension .
Carved and Painted Tuna Fish Carving
Located in Norwell, MA
Quality carving of a yellow fin tuna. Painted body. Very well carved with fins, gills, eyes, tail, etc. Reminiscent of the signs that hung in the fish stalls at the Dover England fis...
Wood
Copper Ships Port and Starboard Lanterns
Located in Norwell, MA
Pair of solid copper ships port and starboard ships lanterns from the Steamship Cyrena. With makers badges from William Harvie of Birmingham. Both are fitted...
Copper