American School, 19th Century

Skinner's, June 8, 2008, sale 2412, lot 20.

in a later black molded frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This painting is a folk art representation of the Battle of Bunker Hill as seen from Boston across the Charles River at Hudson Point.  Charlestown's fortifications are clearly marked with red and blue banners on Bunker Hill, Breed's Hill, and Fort Castle William.  The position of these hills was critical to a military occupation of Boston as they would provide the controlling army with a view of Boston and its harbor.  On June 17, 1775, under heavy bombardment by the British, Charlestown caught fire and is represented here engulfed in clouds of gray smoke.  The white rail fences which enclose the town, and which are so prominently depicted, were decisive in the Patriots' victory.  The Colonial militia erected this series of fences to thwart the advance of the British troops.

The arrangement of these ships was probably derived from a contemporary print, possibly the early views of Boston published by Carrington Bowles.  Stylistically, the painting relates to an oil painting entitled Attack on Bunker's Hill with the Burning of Charlestown June 17, 1775, at the National Gallery of Art.