Jurgen Frederick Huge (1809-1878)

SOLD

Schooner K. C. Rankin of Rockland, Maine
Signed (l.r): J. F. Huge Bridgeport, Conn. – 1873
Inscribed: Schooner K. C. RANKIN. Chas. L. Ball, Master / of ROCKLAND MAINE
Watercolor and gouache on paper mounted on linen
29 3/4″ x 40″
Condition: Evenly toned, recently cleaned by Tony Alvarez, in the original walnut frame.
See full condition report by Alvarez Studios.
The large and detailed ships’ portraits by Jurgen Frederick Huge are eagerly sought-after by American marine and folk art collectors. Beginning around 1830, shortly after Huge arrived in Bridgeport, Connecticut from his native Hamburg, Germany, Huge began garnering commissions from ship owners. Although his primary occupation was as a grocer, his artistic ability and experience as a seaman appealed to his clients. Meticulous attention to details such as rigging, sails, burgees and recognizable landmarks are evident in Schooner K. C. Rankin of Rockland, Maine, as well as other important paintings including the 14 3/4  x 38 7/8 inch watercolor, Sidewheel Steamship Connecticut (Collection of Mystic Seaport) and Clipper Schooner William L. Peck, Joseph I. Bunce Master of Cold Spring Harbour, L. I. (30 x 39 ½ inches, watercolor and pencil on paper).
In addition to ship portraits, Huge also chronicled life in and around Bridgeport in his large, folky watercolors.
While it is difficult to be certain, it appears that the two lighthouses depicted in Schooner K. C. Rankin are lighthouses marking the route into the ship’s homeport of Rockland, Maine.