Antonio Jacobsen was an incredibly prolific artist, but the works most prized by collectors are his yachting scenes, particularly pieces like this exceptional example, done in his best period the late 1880's, featuring yachts of the New York Yacht Club.
In what appears to be a fleet race for New York Yacht Club Members on Long Island Sound during the 1880's, the foreground vessel is easily identified by her owner's private signal as the center-board schooner PALMER, built in 1869 for Rutherford Stuyvesant, an early member of the New York Yacht Club. The schooner was named after the famous designer and clipper ship captain Nathaniel B. Palmer who was also a member and early promoter of the NYYC.
Trailing the leading boats is a twin stack side-wheel excursion steamer, a common sight at such races. Jacobsen himself must have been among the spectators on such boats many times to so well capture the graceful sweep of sails above sleek hulls cutting through the waves. Many other ships populate the distant horizon on both sides, including on the right a hove to sailing ship with a steam tug moving away, having dropped the tow after delivering the ship to its anchorage.
The 100' PALMER was designed by R.F. Loper; and built at Philadelphia in 1869 at the yard of Hillman and Steaker. This yacht was one of four NYYC schooners selected for the second defense of the America's Cup in October, 1871. She enjoyed a successful racing career well into the 20th century.
The indistinct owner's pennant on the vessel immediately trailing PALMER off her port quarter points to it being the 100' schooner ATALANTA- the first racer owned by William B. Astor, Jr. The 145 Ton ATALANTA was built by David Carll (1830-1888) at City Island, New York in 1873 and became widely known as a fast boat, especially in light winds. Her name was later shortened to ATLANTA. She was the first of several successful racing schooners owned by Astor. Jacobsen's use of color and excellent composition of this desirable subject- well-known schooners matched many times- make it a top work by the artist.
