shing a very respectable pace through the Atlantic Ocean, the Screw Steamer KNICKERBOCKER of the famous Cromwell Line of New York is driving for the safety of port with a full passenger contingent. Jacobsen painted at least two other paintings of this important American Coastwise Passenger vessel, the largest of which is in the Texas Commerce Bank Fine Art Collection. The ship is smart in the water, and holds true to its sharp hull lines much like a classic steam yacht with its clipper bow, gilt trailboard and name emblazoned in gold. With its stark black and white coloration, the Red Crowell House Flag and United States Ensign stand out.
The 256 foot Screw Steamer was built in the Pusey & Jones Wilmington, Delaware Yard in 1873. Established by H.B. Cromwell and a group of Savannah, Georgia investors, the Line started in 1858, but was seized by the Federal Government at the outset of the Civil War, and began in service between New York to New Orleans once that southern port was captured in 1862. The Southern Railroad took over in the late 1880s, and kept it under the Cromwell Line name until 1902 when the company sold to the Morgan Line. KNICKERBOCKER sailed in service until the Line sold.
Passionate about capturing the reality of his painted ship's., Jacobsen became a favorite of the working sailors and captains of New York, and this size oil painting would most likely have been a direct commission.
