Lot 165: James Guy Evans American Marine Painting, Cape Henry

James Guy Evans (American / Louisiana, 1809/10-1859) oil on canvas maritime painting titled “The Eleanor Jane… in a Stiff Blow Near Cape Henry [Virginia]” depicting the ship in choppy waters heading into a dark storm cloud. Flags flying from the masts include an American ensign. Other unidentified vessels are visible in the distance. Signed “Evans Paint” lower right. 2 stencils on back for artist supply stores R. Hall & __ Canal St., New Orleans, and Groupil, New York. Stretcher: 29 in H x 26 in W. Frame:  37 in H x 44 in W. Note: New Orleans-based marine painter James Guy Evans first enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1829 and was discharged from Navy service at Norfolk in 1836. He lived briefly in New York and Cuba before moving to New Orleans in 1846 where he opened a commercial painting studio specializing in house, ship, sign, and ornamental painting. Contemporary accounts record that he sailed with his subjects on occasion, serving as both a painter and minister while on board. In about 1850 he took on a partner, German-born artist Edward Arnold (1824-1866); the two also worked together on some paintings. 

PROVENANCE: Found in a Memphis, Tennessee estate. 

CONDITION: Original canvas with two small patches at center and left center corresponding to retouch on center mast and leftmost sail. 2 small spots of retouch to upper right quadrant in sky area. Craquelure throughout. Several tiny scattered inclusions/spatters. A couple of fine scratching lines to upper right quadrant along with a couple of small (1/4 in or less) flakes.