Frederick Leo Hunter "Old New Bedford Whaler Andrew Hicks" C. 1929 Painting

Details

Description

This remarkable oil painting, titled **"Old New Bedford Whaler – Andrew Hicks"**, is an exquisite maritime artwork that captures the … Read more This remarkable oil painting, titled **"Old New Bedford Whaler – Andrew Hicks"**, is an exquisite maritime artwork that captures the spirit of 19th-century whaling. The painting, executed with remarkable attention to atmospheric detail, depicts the majestic whaling ship **Andrew Hicks** navigating the turbulent waters off Cape Hatteras, known for its unpredictable weather and strong currents. The vessel, with its fully rigged sails, is seen cutting through the deep, rolling waves in search of whales, embodying the bold and perilous livelihood of New Bedford whalers.

The **color palette** is masterfully chosen to evoke the vastness of the open sea, with shades of deep blue and green capturing the restless ocean surface, while a soft golden hue at the horizon suggests the light of dawn or dusk breaking through the cloud-filled sky. The artist has skillfully rendered the sky with a delicate interplay of white and blue tones, creating a dynamic backdrop that emphasizes the ship’s movement and resilience. The brushwork reflects both the power of nature and the craftsmanship of the vessel itself.

The **gilded frame**, ornately decorated with intricate patterns and scrollwork, adds a sense of grandeur and historic reverence to the artwork. At the bottom of the frame, an engraved brass plaque provides significant details, reading:

*"Old New Bedford Whaler – Andrew Hicks. Off Hatteras, Looking for Whales. Built at New Bedford, Mass. – F. Leo Hunter."*

This label not only identifies the subject of the painting but also connects it to the legendary shipbuilding industry of New Bedford, Massachusetts, once the whaling capital of the world. The **Andrew Hicks** was among the many whalers that set out from New Bedford’s bustling port, a city that thrived on the whaling trade throughout the 19th century.

The artist, FREDERICK LEO HUNTER (American 1858-1943), has demonstrated exceptional skill in maritime painting, capturing both the technical details of the ship and the atmospheric conditions of the open sea. His work exhibits a blend of realism and romanticism, evoking the adventure, danger, and perseverance associated with the whaling era.

This painting stands as a tribute to the legacy of American whaling, maritime exploration, and the craftsmanship of the era’s shipbuilders. It is a museum-quality piece that not only serves as a striking visual statement but also holds immense historical significance, making it an invaluable addition to any maritime art collection.

Measures:
27.625" w x 21.5" h (frame)
24.25" w x 18.125" h (canvas) See less