In this fine ship's portrait, Honore Pellegrin displays the clear, crisp technique that along with his draftsman's eye for detail placed him at the forefront of Mediterranean marine painters. The painting reflects the artist's skilled use of gouache, or opaque watercolor, that projects the more vibrant tones and richness of color usually associated with oil paints.
This work shows the 680-on Bark AGNES M. LOVITT, built at the Rowan Yard in Saint John's, New Brunswick in 1863, departing Marseilles on one of her early voyages in 1864. The inscription at the bottom of the painting also notes the name of the owner and master of the 150' sailing ship, Captain Joseph B. Lovitt.
This work is an excellent example by this French artist. Next to the Roux family, Pellegrin is considered the most sought after watercolorist of ship's portraits of the period. This painting has been professionally conserved on acid free paper and is in excellent restored condition.
