This fine example of Dawson's ship portraiture features American merchant ship J.N. CUSHING, sailing in a lively sea and set against an illuminated sunset sky.
John Newmarch Cushing (1779-1849) was a captain and ship owner well known in Newburyport, Massachusetts. As his family grew he expanded his interests in town purchasing a wharf and opening a ship rigging business to serve the town's five shipyards. Eventually joined by his sons, the Cushings owned thirty merchant ships and managed a busy mercantile business in addition to the rigging wharf. After J.N. Cushing's death in 1849, the sons commissioned a 650 ton ship from John Currier Jr., which would launch in 1853 and would be named in their father's honor.
The J.N. CUSHING was known to have sailed from 1853 through 1867, though there are mentions of the ship still being at sea in 1886. The family's shipping business was global but they were particularly known for importing from China and India including fine fabrics and porcelains. Among the family's collections were China Trade paintings, Chinese exportware among artifacts from around the world. Records indicate that the J.N. CUSHING's first captain may have been Newburyport native Capt. William H. Swap.
The Cushing family thrived in Newburyport for generations. J.N.'s son Caleb Cushing would go on to become Attorney General of the United States. The Cushing's former brick Federalist-style home, purchased by J.N. and home to the family for generations, is now a museum. Cushing House showcases the shipbuilding and merchant shipping history of the area and artifacts from the Cushing's ships fill the museum collection.
Dawson gives a nice starboard view of the vessel with the sea approaching her broadside. The ship's details are particularly well rendered including on deck details and several figures of sailors working the ship forward and climbing the rigging. Overall an excellent painting with the attributes of Dawson's most desirable artworks.
