Mary Blood Mellen (American, 1817-1882) Boats in Gloucester Harbor

Description:

Mary Blood Mellen (American, 1817-1882)

Boats in Gloucester Harbor
Unsigned.
Oil on canvas (stretched with Boston tabs),10 1/4 x 15 3/4 in. (26.0 x 40.0 cm),framed.
Condition: Craquelure, scattered retouch, varnish inconsistencies.

N.B. As an aspiring artist, Mary Blood Mellen was attracted to Fitz Henry Lane's work and was probably working in his Gloucester studio by 1848, where she began her apprenticeship making copies of Lane's work. (1) Mellen and Lane developed a close relationship and often worked collaboratively on the same canvas as well as side by side on their respective paintings. Mellen also painted many original works with considerable skill and often produced several versions of the same scene, like this view of Gloucester Harbor, of which at least two other examples are known (see Wilmerding, as below, cat. no. 15, p. 65, and Skinner, Inc., American & European Works of Art, Sale 2432, Lot 71).

1. Wilmerding, John, Fitz Henry Lane & Mary Blood Mellen: Old Mysteries and New Discoveries, exhibition catalog, Cape Ann Historical Museum and Spanierman Gallery, LLC, (New York, 2007),p. 40.
Estimate $15,000-25,000

Framed dimensions: 15 x 20 1/4 in.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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