Description:

Julian Oliver Davidson (American/New York, 1853-1894), "Monitor and Merrimac: First Fight Between Ironclads", 1885, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, titled, dated, inscribed and "F.W. Devoe & Co." canvas stamp en verso, 15 in. x 21 1/2 in., framed; together with chromolithograph of same by L. Prang & Company, Boston, copyright 1886, sight 15 in. x 21 1/2 in., framed. (2 pcs.) Note: Julian Davidson developed an interest in ships from a young age, traveling often to Cuba where his father’s engineering firm was constructing the Havana railroad. His earliest sketches of nautical subjects began during his apprenticeship with his father at the age of sixteen, and by age seventeen, Davidson joined the crew of the steamship Arizona. He later studied art in New York with Mauritz de Hass, expanding his repertoire to include historic battle scenes. Davidson quickly became known as one of America’s leading marine painters and Harper’s magazine printed many of his illustrations. Well-known publishers, including Louis Prang, were aware of Davidson’s talent and appeal, and they commissioned him to paint original works of which they produced popular limited editions lithographs. The two original oils offered here were part of this commission, each lot including the corresponding lithograph printed by Prang. The two scenes are depictions of well-known Civil War battles: one representing the capture of New Orleans by Admiral David Farragut’s fleet, and the other portraying the first naval battle between two ironclad warships, the Monitor and the Merrimack. Each painting is rendered in fine detail, displaying Davidson’s historical knowledge and technical skill at producing maritime battle paintings.

  • Condition: All lots are sold “As is” and “Where is”. Neal Auction provides condition reports on items with a low estimate over $500 as a courtesy to aid in your bidding decision. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalogue or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. Completed condition reports are posted as an additional image with the lot. Neal Auction does not give refunds.

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January 26, 2019 10:00 AM CST
New Orleans, LA, US

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