London artist Barlow Moore was both a member and the official marine painter to the Royal Thames Yacht Club. He created many detailed images of the great pleasure yachts of his day, usually on direct commission from their owners. Several of his yacht portraits were exhibited at the Royal Academy and the British Institute.
The brilliant coloration and fine detail in this portrait of the famous American steam yacht MARGARITA exemplify Moore's flair for capturing the essence of an era that became known as the Golden Age Of Yachting. With the rock of Gibraltar as backdrop, MARGARITA is shown surrounded by brightly colored local craft coming out to view the legendary floating palace.
Designed by the master G.L. Watson and launched in 1896, the 278' MARGARITA was described as the "finest pleasure yacht afloat". Her lavish appointments and amenities equaled many of the luxury ocean liners of the day. Her owner Anthony J. Drexel, a banking partner of J.P. Morgan, commissioned Barlow Moore directly to paint this fine portrait for his personal collection. This vessel was the second of three Drexel yachts bearing that name.
