Edit Object 3057

The British steel hulled gaff cutter GALATEA was designed by John Beavor-Webb and built in 1885 for owner Lieutenant William Henn of the Royal Navy. From 1888 until 1894, Mr. and Mrs. Henn lived aboard GALATEA in Britain. Following Lt. Henn's death in 1894, Mrs. Henn continued to live aboard the yacht until her death in 1911.

GALATEA was the sixth challenger for the America's Cup in 1886, losing to the American defender MAYFLOWER. Henn challenged again in a private re-match in 1887 which the British yacht also lost. It should be noted that GALATEA was unique for a racing yacht in that she was set up for live aboard cruising, and carried several tons of elegant furnishings below, making her speed much slower than her competitors. Also making her unique during the 1886 racing season, GALATEA carried a monkey named Peggy on board as a mascot. The first "rally monkey", Peggy became ill and died and was buried in Brooklyn, NY.

Here, James Buttersworth portrays GALATEA on a beam reach leading a fleet of racers off the Battery. Landmark forts Castle William and Castle Garden are visible in the far distance. The view does not appear to show the America's Cup competition, as it was sailed on a different course, and the second place yacht in the painting is also British. Of note, is master James E. Buttersworth's noted skill at portraying atmospheric detail which includes the small dark rain squall in the sky just ahead of GALATEA's massive spinnaker.

Select a Type
American Ship Portrait
Barometers
Bells
Binnacles & Compasses
Binoculars
Book Maritime
Book Voyages
Books
Books General
Boylhart Collection
Builders Full Models
Builders Half-Model
Canes - Decorative
Canes - Gimmick
Cannons
Carving
Chronometers
Clocks
Contemporary Art
Contemporary Models
Decorative Art - Boxes
Dieppe Models
Diorama Models
Diving Helmets & Equipment
Dockyard Models
Edged Weapons
Engravings
Figureheads
Firearms
Fishing Equipment
Folk Art Models
Furniture
Glass and Pottery
Globes
Jewelry
Joe & Lisa's Art Collection
Lamps
Letters
Lighthouse Artifacts
Limited-Edition Prints
Lithographs
Maps & Charts
Marine Narrative
Marine Narrative at Sea
Medical
Microscopes
Miscellaneous Artifacts
Navigation Instruments - Compass
Navigation Instruments
Navigation Instruments - Sextant
Octants, Quadrants & Backstaffs
Original art
Other Models
Painted Photograph
Passenger Liner Memorabilia
Patent Models
Period Models
Photographs
Pond Models
Pottery
Prints
Prisoner-of-War Artifacts
Prisoner-of-War Models
Sailor Crafts
Sailor Valentines
Sailor Woolworks
Scrimshaw Artifacts
Scrimshaw Private
Scrimshaw Teeth
Sea Chests
Sextants
Ship Clocks
Ship Hardwares
Ship in a Bottle
Ship Log Books
Ships Flogging Whip
Signed Documents
Silver and Silver Plated Models
Speaking Trumpets
Statues
Steam Engine Models
Steam Models
Sundials
Sword
Tankards & Pitchers
Telescopes
Tillers, Rudders & Yokes
Toy Models
Trinity Boxes
Trophys & Presentions
Voyages & Travels
Watches
Whaling