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Lot 167: Alexander Charles Stuart (American, 1831-1898), "The Steamer City of Worcester of the Norwich Line"

Est: $55,000 USD - $85,000 USDSold:
Keno AuctionsStamford, CT, USSeptember 24, 2011

Item Overview

Description

Alexander Charles Stuart (American, 1831-1898)

THE STEAMER CITY OF WORCESTER OF THE NORWICH LINE
Signed lower right "Stuart"
Oil on canvas
30 x 60 in.

Provenance: Quester Gallery, Rowayton, Connecticut

Literature: Morrison, John, H., History of American Steam Navigation (1958), pp. 334-335; Dunbaugh, Edwin L., The Era of the Joy Line (1982), pp. xxii, 22, 29, 32, 43, 46, 48, 54, 56, 61, 67, 76, 76, 87, 101, 114, 117, 129, 131, 144, 164, 169, 177-178, 179, 240, 245, 281, 282, 295

Other Notes: City of Worcester was built in 1881 for the Norwich and New York Transportation Company, commonly known as the Norwich Line, by Harlan & Hollingsworth at Wilmington, Delaware. She was the first large passenger vessel on Long Island Sound built of Iron, and as a result her hull was not braced with hog framing. This gave her cleaner, and longer lines than the other sound steamers which made her appear unusually fast and graceful underway as evidenced in her portrait by Alexander Charles Stuart. City of Worcester plied the waters of Long Island Sound for over thirty years in number of capacities for several different owners. A detailed history of her career may be found on the pages of Edwin L. Dunbaugh's excursion back to a vanished period in American transportation history, The Era of the Joy Line.

Alexander Charles Stuart was a fabulist! In an 1896 letter to his son he wrote the following. That he was born in Scotland in 1831; that he entered Rugby School at thirteen where he stayed for eight years; that he later took a job to learn "inginery" (sic); that he went to night school and studied medicine for eight years; that his brother died so his father, who owned a distillery, asked him to "stay and & mind the corn juice industry." But instead he went off to "Paris & Hidellberge" (sic) and traveled for two years; that he then got "pyrenemia (sic) or blood poison"; then that he went to sea with two voyages to Australia; then that he was in Crimea; then that he went on to the Indian Mutiny and four years in India; then that in 1861 he came to America and fought for the Northern Navy; That he had a chance to go to China, but instead got married to a widow with three children; That at some point he was in the English Navy.

As imaginative as Stuart was in creating a curriculum vitae for the benefit of his son, he was equally incandescent when it came to creating the canvases by which we remember him. Stuart's artistic talent is very much the equal, and, at times, it eclipses that of his two more famous contemporaries, Fred Pansing and Antonio Jacobsen. All three men chronicled the passage from sail to steam in America during the last quarter of the 19th century.

The known, facts concerning Stuart's life, professional, and otherwise, are at odds with what he wrote to his son. A New York census entry from 1860 lists Alexander Stuart as being 28 years old (which negates his claim of copious foreign travel), an artist, married to Dora (a Texan), with two children (not three), born in New York. Stuart was not born in New York. He was not born in Scotland. He was Polish! He was listed in New York City directories until 1863 when he truly did enlist in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1866 with the rank of acting second assistant engineer

Stuart was discharged at Philadelphia and spent the rest of his life on the banks of the Delaware River, a good place for an artist and sailor, and a major shipbuilding locale referred to as "The Clyde of America." Facts about Stuart's comings and goings, and about his home and business addresses are incomplete, contradictory, and confusing. Chester, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Camden were all near the Delaware River, and he appears to have spent time in each one of these towns at some point during his life. To confuse matters even more, Stuart accountably went south for a period. There are those who remember him as "Doc." As unbelievable as it seems, an advertisement on page one of the Eustis Lake Region reads "Dr. A. C. Stuart Gynecologist, Eustis House: Room N. 33." No records bear on this specious title, or on the length of his stay.


Stuart liked his drink, so much so, that he often drank himself into unconsciousness only to be awakened by an inquisitive child or curious passerby. The locals at Chester, Pennsylvania considered him a man of mystery. At Harlan & Hollingsworth Stuart was remembered as a great joker. However, a darker side of his personality brought his association with the firm to an abrupt end. He shredded a canvas that he had been working on when a company executive gave him an unwelcome critique. In Stuart's words he " put the curse of the lowlands" on him. They were the last he spoke as an employee.

That Stuart was peripatetic, unstable, mercurial, and an alcoholic is well known. But that such a man could also be an extraordinarily gifted artist when he was in the mood to paint is not. Stuart's oeuvre encompassed the full spectrum of marine painting including naval battles (all of the Civil War). His style was consonant with his personality. Foreboding skies are a hallmark.

Stuart was employed by Harlan & Hollingsworth as both a draughtsman and marine artist during the 1880's. It was during this period that he painted the distinguished and RARE ship portraits that are his legacy. Painted in 1880 City of Worcester is such a painting. Pansing, and Jacobsen painted their versions of City of Worcester. However, neither matches the delicate attention to detail or captures the grace, elegance and character of the first large passenger vessel on Long Island sound to be built of iron.

Condition Report

some scuffing in the left center sky, inpaint in the center left


Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to the client. We are offering our professional opinion. We attempt to submit condition reports in the description. However, the absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Keno Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission regarding an item's condition.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will help arrange shipment, at buyer's expense

Auction Details

Important Paintings, Furniture, Decorative Arts and Jewelry

by
Keno Auctions
September 24, 2011, 10:00 AM EST

Marriott Stamford Hotel & Spa 243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford, CT, 06901, US

Terms

Buyer's Premium

27.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$999$50
$1,000$1,999$100
$2,000$4,999$250
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$29,999$1,000
$30,000$49,999$2,500
$50,000$99,999$10,000
$100,000+$25,000

Conditions of Sale

Participation in this auction is subject to and governed by the following contractual terms. Each prospective buyer is deemed to have reviewed, understood and accepted these conditions of sale and participation in the auction in any manner (in person, by telephone, by written bid or on-line) will constitute an acceptance of these conditions of sale by the participant.

BEFORE THE SALE

Condition
Every item offered for sale will be sold subject to the actual condition of the property at the time of the sale (generally referred to as "as is"). Prospective buyers are permitted and strongly encouraged to thoroughly examine any property before the auction with the understanding that there is no representation or warranty of any kind concerning the condition or any of the physical aspects of any items offered for sale. Catalogue descriptions or verbal statements are offered as opinion and shall not constitute a representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any nature whatsoever.

Registration before Bidding
Prospective buyers who wish to bid in the saleroom can register online in advance of the sale, or can come to the saleroom approximately 30 minutes before the start of the sale to register in person. A prospective buyer must complete and sign a registration form and provide identification (possibly including a check acceptance form) before bidding.

Absentee Bidding
Reasonable efforts will be used to carry out written bids delivered to us before the sale for the convenience of prospective purchasers who are not present at the auction in person, by an agent or by telephone. If written bids for identical amounts are submitted for the same lot and are the highest bids on this lot at the auction, the property will be sold to the person whose written bid was received and accepted first. Execution of written bids is a free service undertaken subject to other commitments at the time of the sale and there shall be no liability for failing to execute any written bid or for errors and omissions in connection with any written bid.

Telephone Bidding
Telephone bids will be accepted on lots with a low estimate of more than $2,500, no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the commencement of the sale and only if capacity allows. Arrangements to bid in languages other than English must be made well in advance of the sale. We will use reasonable efforts to contact prospective purchasers to enable them to participate in the bidding by telephone as a free service, however there will be no liability for any failure or for any errors or omissions in connection with telephone bidding.



Online Bidding
Please register for online bidding at Artfact.com. Reasonable efforts will be exerted to place on-line bids in the saleroom. However there will be no liability for any failure or error in the placement of such bids.

AT THE SALE

Terms of Bidding
The auctioneer has the absolute and sole discretion to refuse any bid and to advance the bidding in any manner. The auctioneer also has the right to withdraw any lot, and in the case of error and dispute (whether during or after the sale) to determine the successful bidder, to continue the bidding, to cancel the sale or to reoffer and resell the property. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the case of a tie bid, the winning bidder will be determined at the sole discretion of the auctioneer. In the event of a dispute between bidders, the auctioneer has final discretion to determine the successful bidder or to reoffer the lot in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, the sale record of the auctioneer is conclusive.

Participation in the auction may be disallowed for any reason. A bid is an offer to purchase and by making a successful bid, a bidder is accepting personal liability to pay the purchase price, plus the buyer's premium, all applicable taxes and all other applicable charges.

Bidding Increments
The auctioneer will commence the bidding at any level and in increments considered appropriate. Bids will be sought in increments selected by the auctioneer who will have the absolute discretion to select any increments for any lot (and the discretion to vary the increments in the course of the bidding for any lot). However, generally speaking, the increments will depend upon the low estimate for the lot. Thus for example, for lots having a low estimate below $1,000, bids will be sought at increments of $50. The normal pattern for bidding increments will be as follows:

Low Estimate Increments
< 999 $50s
$1,000 - 1,999 $100s
$2,000 - 4,999 $250s
$5,000 - 9,999 $500s
$10,000 - 29,999 $1,000s
$30,000 - 49,999 $2,500s
$50,000 - 99,999 $10,000s
> $100,000 at auctioneer's discretion

These increments may vary during the course of the auction at the discretion of the auctioneer.


Estimates
Pre-sale estimates are provided to encourage competitive bidding. These estimates may not be relied upon as any predictions of the selling price and may not be considered to be any opinion or representation regarding the value of the property. Keno Auctions shall not be responsible or liable for any difference between a pre-sale estimate and the actual selling price for any lot.

Reserves
Unless otherwise indicated, all lots are offered subject to a reserve, which is a confidential minimum price set by the seller below which the lot will be not be sold. The reserve will not exceed a given low pre-sale estimate at the time of the auction. Regardless of whether there is a reserve, the auctioneer may reject any bid and withdraw any lot for any reason. In order comply with the seller's reserve on any lot, the auctioneer may open bidding by placing a bid on behalf of the seller. The auctioneer may bid further on behalf of the seller (i.e. a bid "from the book" held by the auctioneer) up to the amount of the reserve by placing consecutive bids or by placing bids in response to other bidders. If a lot is not sold, the auctioneer will announce that fact (normally by stating that the lot has been "unsold" or "passed").

Property of Keno Auctions / Guarantees
Should Keno Auctions own any lot in whole or in part or have a financial interest in any lot equivalent to an ownership interest, the catalogue will clearly identify any such property as the Property of Keno Auctions. From time to time, a lot may be offered for which a guaranteed minimum price or an advance secured by the consigned property has been given to the seller. Such property will be identified in the catalogue with the symbol * next to the lot number.

AFTER THE SALE

Successful Bids
Keno Auctions is not able to notify successful absentee bidders. While invoices are sent out by mail after the auction we do not accept responsibility for notifying you of the result of your bid. Buyers are requested to contact us by telephone or in person as soon as possible after the sale to obtain details of the outcome of their bids to avoid incurring unnecessary handling charges.

Buyer's Premium
A buyer's premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot and is payable as part of the total purchase price (comprising the hammer price, buyer's premium and any applicable taxes). The buyer's premium is 24% of the hammer price.

Sales Tax
Unless exempted by applicable law, all purchases are subject to the 8.375% sales tax of the City and State of New York. Any buyer claiming exemption from sales tax must have the appropriate documentation on file with Keno Auctions prior to the release of the property.

Payment
Buyers are expected to pay the full amount due (comprising the hammer price, the buyer's premium and any applicable taxes) the day of the auction. Please note that Keno Auctions will not accept payments for purchased lots from any party other than the registered buyer.

Lots purchased may be paid for in the following ways:

(i) bank checks
(ii) checks
(iii) cash (up to $7,500)
(iv) money orders (up to $7,500)
(v) travelers checks (up to $7,500)
(vi) Pay Pal (up to $10,000)

Bank checks and personal checks should be made payable to Keno Auctions. Checks must be drawn on a US bank and payable in US dollars. In order to process your payment efficiently, please quote sale number, invoice number and client number with all transactions. Buyers not known to us who wish to write a check must complete a bidder registration form and check acceptance form no later than two business days preceding the auction.

Remedies for Non Payment
If a buyer fails to make payment in full in good cleared funds, Keno Auctions shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to exercise anyone or more of the following rights or remedies (in addition to asserting any other rights or remedies available by law):

(i) to charge interest at a rate of 1.5% per month;
(ii) to charge $50 for any dishonored check;
(iii) to hold the defaulting buyer liable for the total amount due and to commence legal proceedings for its recovery together with interest, legal fees and costs to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law;
(iv) to cancel the sale;
(v) to resell the property publicly or privately on any terms;
(vi) to pay the seller an amount up to the net proceeds payable in respect of the amount bid by the defaulting buyer;
(vii) where several amount are owed by the buyer in respect of different purchases, to apply any amount paid to discharge any amount owed in respect of any particular transaction, whether or not the buyer so directs;
(viii) to reject at any future auction any bids made by or on behalf of the buyer or to obtain a deposit from the buyer before accepting any bids;
(ix) to exercise all the rights and remedies of a person holding security over any property in our possession owned by the buyer, whether by way of pledge, security interest or in any other way, to the fullest extent permitted by the law of the place where such property is located and in this regard the buyer will be deemed to have granted such security to Keno Auctions which may retain such property as collateral security for such buyer's obligations;
(x) to take such other action as may be deemed necessary or appropriate.
If the property is resold as described above, the defaulting buyer shall be liable for payment of any deficiency between the total amount originally due and the price obtained upon resale as well as all costs, expenses, damages, legal fees and commissions and premiums of whatever kind associated with both sales or otherwise arising from the default. If any amount is paid to the seller as described above, the buyer acknowledges that Keno Auctions shall have all the rights of the seller, however arising, to pursue the buyer for such amount.


Collection of Purchases
We shall be entitled to retain items sold until all amounts due to us have been received in full in good cleared funds or until the buyer has satisfied such other terms as we, in our sole discretion, shall require.

Packing, Handling, and Shipping
The removal of purchased property is entirely the responsibility of the buyer. Accordingly, packing, handling and shipping arrangements for any purchased lot is at the entire risk and cost of the buyer. Where we may suggest other handlers, packers or carriers if so requested, we do not accept responsibility or liability for their acts or omissions.

Failure to Collect Purchases
Where purchases are not collected from the auction premises, whether or not payment has been made, Keno Auctions will remove and store such property in any manner and by any means that it deems appropriate. Keno Auctions will not be responsible or liable for any damage caused as a direct or indirect result of the removal and storage of such property.

In the event that the property is removed from the auction premises by Keno Auctions, the buyer will be charged for 120% of the actual packing and shipping cost incurred in transporting the property and a daily storage charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of the property (commencing on the day following the completion of the auction). At the option of Keno Auctions the property may be transferred to and stored at a bonded warehouse and the buyer agrees to pay all the transfer and storage expenses and accepts all risks of loss or damage. Keno Auctions will only release the items after payment in full has been made of transportation, administration, handling, insurance any other costs incurred, together with all other amounts due to us.


Warranty
Except as specifically described in this particular condition, Keno Auctions makes no representation or warranty of any kind as to the accuracy of any description of any lot and any information regarding any subject including quality, authenticity, medium, size, date, importance, rarity, provenance or historical relevance. Any statements made in the catalogue or at the sale or in any invoice or in any other writing shall not be deemed or constitute any warranty, representation, statement of fact or assumption of liability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Keno Auctions will warrant the accuracy of any statement or information set forth in BOLD type in the catalogue description of the lot, unless clearly and conspicuously modified prior to the bidding on the applicable lot. This warranty regarding the information in bold type shall exist for a period of five (5) years from the date of the auction and is given solely to and strictly for the benefit of the original purchaser of record at the auction. It may not be transferred to any third party. Furthermore, the exclusive remedy of the original buyer in the event of any inaccuracy not otherwise excluded herein shall be a refund of the hammer price and buyer's premium actually paid by the buyer for the lot at the time of the sale. Keno Auctions and its consignor shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages incurred or claimed under this warranty.

The warranty does not apply if:

(i) a written claim supported by a written report by a recognized expert in the applicable field is not delivered by the original buyer to Keno Auctions before the expiration of five (5) years from the date of the sale; or
(ii) the catalogue description was consistent with the opinion(s) of generally accepted scholar(s) and/or expert(s) at the date of the sale; or
(iii) the only method of establishing any inaccuracy in the warranted information is by means or processes not generally available or accepted at the time of the auction sale or by means and processes at the time of the auction sale that could have caused damage to the lot or could have caused loss of value to the lot; or
(iv) there has been no material loss in value of the lot from its value had it been in accordance with its description in the Bold type; or
(v) the property is not returned to Keno Auctions in the same condition as on the date of the auction sale.

Governing Law
These Conditions of Sale and the rights and obligations of all participants hereunder, shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. The buyer and any agent for the buyer shall be deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of the state courts of, and the federal courts sitting in, the State of New York.

Shipping Terms

Auction House will help arrange shipment, at buyer's expense