Chinese School, circa 1853 oil on linen portrait of a clipper ship flying the American flag, in a Chinese harbor. The ship is titled "the Challenger" on the side of both the bow and the stern. Several smaller boats (with figures in them) surround the main ship, while buildings dot the hills rising in the background. Unsigned. Stained and ebonized wood frame with parcel gilt decoration. Sight – 25 1/2" H x 35" W. Framed – 31" H x 41" W. Note: The ship pictured here may be The Challenger, an extreme clipper ship built by Robert E. Jackson in East Boston in 1853. She sailed in the San Francisco trade and later in the guano trade in Peru. In 1863, she was sold to the Peruvian government and renamed Camille Camour. She was damaged and abandoned off the coast of Mexico in 1875. Source: Bruzelius, Lars: the Maritime History Visual Archives. Provenance: Private Southern collection. CONDITION: Painting was professionally conserved by Cumberland Art Restoration of Nashville in 1980. A copy of the conservation report, including before and after photos, is available on request. A canvas lining was added along with a metal support board en verso. Front surface exhibits widespread craquelure. Discoloration to scattered spots of infill painting, the largest 5" L (at center left, near edge), most noticeably in sky area. Lower left quadrant had extensive damage prior to restoration and now has a more concentrated area of repairs and overpainting. Part of the old canvas is visible along the far right edge, adjacent to the frame. Frame is later and intentionally weathered, with several small holes and abrasions.