Thomas Willis Silk Embroidered Yacht Seascape, circa 1890

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Thomas Willis Silk Embroidered Yacht Seascape, circa 1890

About the Item

Antique silk embroidered yacht portrait by Thomas Willis (1850-1925), depicting the schooner-rigged racing yacht America, the winner of the 1851 America's Cup Race. This was the very first 100 Guineas Cup Regatta, whose wildly shocking upset result gave rise to the lasting name "America's Cup." The iconic America was designed and built for the New York Yacht Club by George & James R. Steers in their Brooklyn shipyard. The America is shown her under full sail on a starboard tack, with Homeward Bound pennant flying at the Main peak and American ensign flying at the Main Gaff. There are twin lighthouses in the background on the Folk Art painted seascape. The painting and embroidery is in excellent condition, with no holes, no lines down; there is one thread in the loose bow wave that has raised. The hand painted legend in the lower center reads "The Yacht AMERICA Cup Winner in 51." The work is mounted in its original walnut framed with gilt filet. Willis was the sole artist working in this medium (which he effectively invented), where the yacht, rigging and sails were silk panels and threads hand-embroidered through a canvas background and knotted on the reverse. The silk sails were given three dimensional shape by lining them with them with cardboard. The hulls and bone-in-her-teeth bow waves were often given texture and loft with velvet. Willis was immediately appreciated and sought in his day, and most of his work was primarily done on commission for the New York, American and Corinthian Yacht Clubs and their members. Consequently his work is very specifically and accurately detailed: these are scale portraits of the actual vessels. The detail usually includes sailors on the deck and aloft, as indeed seen here. Willis often used background canvases painted by friends, other artists also working commissions at the yacht clubs, including Antonio Jacobsen. Those friends also taught Thomas how to paint, so that in time he was able to create his own backgrounds. The seascape here would appear to certainly be by Willis' hand. Willis sometimes signed his work on the obverse by name or initials, sometimes on the reverse or on the stretcher, sometimes by paper label, and very often not at all. This one is unsigned, but unmistakable as his work. The attribution is especially confident as he was the only artist doing this work. Overall: 18 3/8 in high x 26 1/4 in wide x 2 1/4 in deep.

Creator:
Thomas Willis (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 18.38 in (46.69 cm)Width: 26.25 in (66.68 cm)Depth: 2.25 in (5.72 cm)
Style:
Folk Art (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Canvas,Silk,Embroidered,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Nantucket, MA
Reference Number:
Seller: AD - 20 - WOLE1stDibs: LU903922342602