Lot 605
George Dubrusky (Continental, 19th c.), "Sinking of the Confederate Raider C.S.S. Alabama by the U.S.S. "Kearsage" off the French Cherbourg Penisula, June 19, 1864", oil on canvas, signed and inscribed "Port du Hom(m)et" lower right, 31.5 in. x 58.75 in., in an ornate giltwood period frame. E15000-25000 Note: When the Confederate ship C.S.S. Alabama was launched in 1862, her orders were "attack, subdue, scuttle and take" Union merchant ships. To counter the Northern blockades of Southern ports, Confederate leaders envisioned a fleet of swift cruisers that would destroy Union merchant ships on the high seas all over the world. Under the command of Admiral Raphael Semmes of Mobile (1809-1877), the C.S.S. Alabama successfully raided, captured, ransomed and/or destroyed over sixty Union ships. While the Alabama was laid up in Cherbourg Harbor off the coast of France for major repairs, the Union ship U.S.S. Kearsage block the entrance of the port. The stand off between the two ships lasted for several days. Word of the impending naval duel attracted the attention of 15,000 spectators who lined the shore of Cherbourg Harbor. On the morning of Sunday, June 19, 1864, the still damaged C.S.S. Alabama sailed out of the port escorted by a French frigate and several small boats to engage her Union adversary. This painting depicted the C.S.S. Alabama moments after it was hit by a shell fired by the U.S.S. Kearsage on the starboard side and had begun to sink to the bottom of the ocean.
Shipping Options
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Neal Auction Company
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 0% and any applicable taxes and shipping.