Antonio Jacobsen Art

Signed lower right & dated 1879. Antonio Jacobsen’s painting of the Thingvalla (a shipping line between Scandinavia and the United States) is a masterclass in maritime artistry, showcasing his signature crisp brushwork and dynamic composition. Jacobsen’s strokes are precise yet expressive, capturing the texture of the ship’s hull and the shimmering movement of the water. The fine detailing in the rigging and smokestack demonstrates his meticulous approach. • The Thingvalla appears to surge forward, cutting through the waves with a palpable sense of momentum. The artist’s use of diagonal lines and the tilt of the vessel enhances the illusion of motion. Jacobsen’s ability to balance realism with artistic flair ensures that the Thingvalla feels alive, as if caught mid-voyage. Bio: Antonio Jacobsen, America's folk art hero recognized for his unsurpassed contributions to America's maritime history, recorded domestic and international ships as they passed through the age of sail to steam. He was a prolific painter and throughout his life painted an estimated 6000 paintings. Jacobsen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 2 November 1850, where, for generations his family had been violin makers. His father encouraged him to practice a similar craft. At an early age he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Design in Copenhagen, however, reversed family fortunes forced him to withdraw. At the age 18 it was compulsory for him to join the Danish military forces, but he decided instead, to sail for America. He left his family behind and arrived in New York in the early 1870's. Like many other immigrants, he went to New York City's Battery Park looking for work. He passed his days sketching the ships that sailed in and out of the harbor. Not before long a representative from Marvin Safe Company noticed his drawings and offered him a job decorating safes. His ability as an artist was further recognized as he began to receive commissions from sea captains and ship owners and eventually Steamship companies, to record their entire fleet. The Old Dominion Line, The Fall River Line and The White Star Line are some of the steamship companies that commissioned him to paint portraits of all the ship in their respective fleets. In addition, the Clyde Line, the Black Ball Line...