This superb example by J.E. Buttersworth shows the early American clipper ship MEMNON under full sail in the north Atlantic, with other shipping shown in the background. The clue to the vessel’s identification is provided by the prominent house flag of F.A. Delano worn at her main top. The MEMNON was the only clipper ship owned by this firm.

The MEMNON was one of the earliest vessels to be designated a clipper. Designed by John Griffiths in 1847 and built by the Smith & Dimon yard in New York, MEMNON carries the same pedigree as the early clippers SEA WITCH and RAINBOW by the same designer and builder. In 1850, at the opening of the clipper era, she was the very first flyer to be sent from an east coast port to California, cutting the passage time from 6 months to 122 days.

The use of tonal contrasts adds visual impact and drama to many of Buttersworth’s paintings. Note in this work the delicately modulated gray wash used for the sky and the effect of light from a gap in the clouds used to illuminate the ship and highlight the wave crests while the surrounding sea remains in shadow.