Regatta of the New York Yacht Club, June 1st, 1854 -- Rounding the S.W. Spit
Marine views and pictures of ships have long appealed to collectors and popular taste. Undoubtedly, however, this print was made with the well-to-do members of the New York Yacht Club as the intended prospective purchasers.The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 by nine prominent sportsmen, who elected James Cox Stevens as the private club's first Commodore. They made their first sail from New York City to Newport, Rhode Island. On June 6, 1848, the Club's first annual regatta took place, thereby launching a tradition of yacht racing and an annual regatta that has occurred almost every year since (except during wartime).
This print depicts the Club's Regatta of June 1, 1854 with all the yachts sailing towards the left, where the leading schooner "Ray" is heeling over as it turns ("comes about"). Thanks to the key of yacht names beneath the image, the viewer is able to identify "Una" (shown broadside at center) with all its crew scrambling to maneuver the sails, so it can remain ahead of a long line of yachts receding diagonally into the right distance. As recorded in the Club archives, "Una" was the ultimate winner, followed by "Ray," and "L'Esperance."
Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced more than 7,000 hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.
This print depicts the Club's Regatta of June 1, 1854 with all the yachts sailing towards the left, where the leading schooner "Ray" is heeling over as it turns ("comes about"). Thanks to the key of yacht names beneath the image, the viewer is able to identify "Una" (shown broadside at center) with all its crew scrambling to maneuver the sails, so it can remain ahead of a long line of yachts receding diagonally into the right distance. As recorded in the Club archives, "Una" was the ultimate winner, followed by "Ray," and "L'Esperance."
Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced more than 7,000 hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.
Artwork Details
- Title: Regatta of the New York Yacht Club, June 1st, 1854 -- Rounding the S.W. Spit
- Artist: After James E. Buttersworth (American (born England), Isle of Wight 1817–1894 West Hoboken, New Jersey)
- Artist: Drawn on stone by Charles Parsons (American (born England), Hampshire 1821–1910 New York)
- Publisher: Lithographed and published by Nathaniel Currier (American, Roxbury, Massachusetts 1813–1888 New York)
- Date: 1854
- Medium: Hand-colored lithograph (printed in two colors), with gum arabic
- Dimensions: Image: 17 1/2 × 27 7/8 in. (44.5 × 70.8 cm)
Image with text: 19 1/16 × 27 7/8 in. (48.4 × 70.8 cm)
Sheet: 21 1/2 in. × 31 in. (54.6 × 78.7 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Bequest of Adele S. Colgate, 1962
- Object Number: 63.550.76
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
James E. Buttersworth
Nathaniel Currier
1854
Multiple artists/makers
1854
Multiple artists/makers
1854
Multiple artists/makers
1854
Multiple artists/makers
1854
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.