SAMUEL WALTERS (UK, 1811-1882)

American Clipper Ship 'Ella Norton' passing headland, pilot boat approaching, oil on canvas, unsigned, in a magnificent gilt ribbed cove frame, OS: 31" x 42 1/2", SS: 23 1/2" x 35". Cleaned and relined, repairs in the sky, scattered retouching. Includes some original ship's papers, a magazine article with color photos recounting the restoration of this painting, and the bill for said work. The 'Ella Norton' was built in Farmingdale, Maine by P.G Bradstreet in 1864, at 977 tons. She ran the NYC to San Francisco route, R. Norton, Master. Renamed 'Uranus' in 1872. Wrecked 1887 at Delaware breakwater.One of the great painters of the Liverpool school, Walters was trained by his father, who ran a gilding and framing business near the docks in London, and was a proficient ship portraitist. The two moved to Liverpool in 1826. Samuel became known for his views of naval battles, even providing several to King William IV, who had served in the Royal Navy in his youth, earning the nickname "Sailor King". Provenance: From a Bangor ME Estate.