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Preview image of work. oil on linen, Ship Builder's Trade Banner, Portland, 1841 21147

2010.43.1.1-.2

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Ship Builder's Trade Banner, Portland, 1841

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Artist

William Capen, Jr.

Title

Ship Builder's Trade Banner, Portland, 1841

Creation Date

1841

Century

mid-19th century

Dimensions

35 13/16 x 42 15/16 in. (91 x 109 cm)

Object Type

textile/natural fiber

Creation Place

North America, United States, Maine

Medium and Support

oil on linen

Credit Line

Collections of the Maine Historical Society, purchased by a coalition of Maine museums, including the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Barbara Cooney Porter Fund and Gift the Textile Arts Foundation (Robert D.Barton and Nancy Hemenway)

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

2010.43.1.1-.2

Object Description

Per the James D. Julia Inc.'s Auction Catalogue (End of Summer Spectacular Maine Auction- 2010):
The hanging banner mounted to a round wood dowel with hanging loop having oil painted decoration on both sides with a red later addition yarn fringe. One side with "BY COMMERCE WE LIVE." in cream lettering with brown shadowing all on a white silk background. The reverse having a fabulous painting of a three mast ship sailing right to left with eight crew members on deck flying the American flag. The sails are full and there is a banner "M" on the front mast. The ship sails through blue ocean, all against the white silk background.

Per the Maine Memory Network in conjunction with the Maine Historical Society - October 2015:
A painting of a ship in full sail decorates the front of a banner created for the Ship Builders, Ship Joiners, Boat Builders, and Caulkers section of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association in Portland, a group intended to promote skilled crafts and craftsmen and to aid needy members and their families.

The reverse of the banner reads, "By Commerce We Live."

Banners representing 17 trades groups were created for a parade through Portland held Oct. 8, 1841.

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