In a work that captures all of her grandeur and legendary speed, this fine portrait of the New York Yacht Club schooner MAGIC shows her under full sail racing against the sloop MARIA, shown off her stern with other yachts of the 1860 racing fleet being left behind.
Commissioned for his personal collection by her owner R.F. Loper of Philadelphia, this painting shows his owner's flag flying from MAGIC's maintop. Originally designed by Loper as the sloop MADGIE and built by Byerly & Son in 1857, she was converted to a schooner and renamed in 1859. She was one of the most noted yachts of the 19th century, winning lasting fame as the winner of the first defense of the America's Cup in 1870.
Loper selected Philadelphia artist Charles Gulager to paint this masterful portrait of his yacht shortly after her conversion. Gulager's skill as a ship portraitist is well represented here in a painting done on a grand scale to match the importance and style of the fabled racing legend.
