Watercolor on paper, signed at lower left, inscribed "Boston built in 1852 1226 tons / Owned by the Blackball Line" in pencil to verso, retaining two labels from Frost & Reed of London to verso, presented under glass within a custom mat.

Sight size 16 3/4 x 26 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 25 1/4 x 35 in.

Private Collection, Wilmington, North Carolina

Montague Dawson is widely considered the preeminent marine artist of the 20th century. As a young boy he was greatly inspired in his love of the sea by his father, an engineer and keen yachtsman, and his grandfather, a maritime painter. His family's home at Smugglers House on Southampton Water, also provided a front row seat to the processions of ships along the busy waters.

Following the outbreak of World War I, Dawson joined the Royal Navy. He worked briefly as a commercial artist before the war, so in his downtown at sea he drew illustrations of vessels and activity which he submitted to different illustrated newspapers and publications. During this period, Dawson was introduced to the celebrated marine artist, Charles Napier Hemy.

After the war, Dawson was a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Academy. He developed an exclusive relationship with the London gallery Frost & Reed. He was a member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists and appointed an official war artist during World War II.

Dawson's paintings are in numerous prominent public collections including the British Museum, London; the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich; the Imperial War Museum, London; the North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh; and many others.

Built in Boston by Donald McKay, "Sovereign of the Seas" was a clipper ship best known for setting the fastest speed for a sailing ship in 1854, logging 22 knots.

Light toning to sheet and mat board; not examined out of the frame.

$3,000 - 6,000