Grace at sea and pride of ownership both quickly come to mind in this view by Anton Otto Fischer's marine narrative of a Gloucester fishing schooner. Conjecture follows on her possible identity, but take a moment to take in what the artist has accomplished first: a bright, breezy day with the sailing schooner traversing upon an Atlantic Ocean that is absolutely lifelike.
Fischer's perspective captures the feeling of being onboard a second such ship, hoping to keep pace with the schooner. Fischer painted from life, and is not known for re-creations of historic ships, but of capturing historic moments. We feel strongly that this is a portrait of the famous GERTRUDE L. THEBAUD, after she has left Gloucester for the last time on May 29, 1945, sold to New Yorker William H. Hoeffer. Her double-ended configuration and cabin arraignment match perfectly, and the open stern cockpit is set well back on her deck. Three others still active in 1945 were the famous BLUENOSE, the ADVENTURE and ERNESTINA. The latter would contract to the American Navy and sail World War II patrol duty, painted battleship grey.
The warm blues and excellent sense of motion are set on a table of full atmosphere and clouds. A second ship, perhaps another schooner at distance, holds a course in opposite to the featured sailing vessel. Bow breaking waves and luffed sails catching wind and shadow send this painting to the top of Fischer's artistic output.
