New York Harbour

John Mecray, in portraying a pivotal moment in yachting history, has departed from his close in fast moving nautical art images to put the viewer on the deck of the ship Citizen as she enters New York Harbor on May 14, 1851. The newly launched schooner America, still in primer, can be seen running out the East River for her trials against the sloop Maria. This carefully researched nautical art painting includes all of the landmarks that were visible on the skyline: from the Hudson River on the left to Castle Garden and Battery Park to the US Customs House. The Hamilton Avenue Ferry can be seen in the East River behind America. Brooklyn and the South Ferry are behind the sloop Maria. Castle Garden on Governor’s Island and two sidewheel towboats with early crosshead engines complete the panorama.

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