Lot 226: Jacob Petersen (Danish, 1774-1855) Portrait of the Brig Leander of Salem. Signed and identified l.r. and l.c., shown off the port of Co

Jacob Petersen (Danish, 1774-1855)

Portrait of the Brig Leander of Salem. Signed and identified l.r. and l.c., shown off the port of Copenhagen with Cronburg Castle to the starboard bow. Gouache, watercolor, and graphite on paper, 18 1/4 x 23 in., in a molded giltwood frame. Condition: Laid down onto cardboard, small losses to upper corners and edge, scattered staining and foxing, overall toning.

N.B. A self-taught artist, Petersen was also a sailor and pilot. C.W. Eckersberg, a leading Danish painter of the time, helped Petersen improve his draftsmanship, while Petersen in exchange taught Eckersberg technical rigging. The Leander belonged to Joseph Peabody, cousin of the philanthropist George Peabody. The former was among the wealthiest ship owners in Salem from the embargo to 1845. The brig, 223 tons, built in Salem in 1821, completed twenty-six voyages to Europe, Africa, Asia Minor, and the Far East. It was in service for twenty-three years.