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John Bentham- Dinsdale (1927–2008) - The America's Cup, 1881 - Mischief & Atalanta at the Start of the Race – Marine Oil Painting
REF: LA575275
£15,000
€17,567
$19,986
LoveAntiques Dealersince Mar 2017Approved item549 sales by dealerFree Delivery
LoveAntiques Dealersince Mar 2017Approved item549 sales by dealerFree Delivery
Description
**John Bentham-Dinsdale (1927–2008) – The America's Cup, 1881 – Mischief & Atalanta at the Start of the Race – Marine Oil Painting**
A superb marine oil painting by the celebrated British maritime artist John Bentham-Dinsdale (1927–2008), depicting the dramatic start of the Fifth America's Cup race of 1881.
Executed in oil on canvas, the composition captures the American defender *Mischief* leading the Canadian challenger *Atalanta* as they embark upon one of the most significant contests in nineteenth-century yacht racing history. Surrounding the competing yachts is a bustling flotilla of steam yachts, committee vessels, excursion steamers, and spectator craft, reflecting the enormous public interest generated by America's Cup racing during the Victorian era.
Bentham-Dinsdale's architectural training and meticulous research are evident throughout the work. The elegant sailing yachts are rendered with exceptional attention to rigging, spars, sail plans, and hull construction, while the carefully observed sea and sky create a convincing sense of atmosphere and movement.
The painting depicts the opening moments of the 1881 America's Cup off New York Harbour. The defender *Mischief*, designed by naval architect Archibald Cary Smith and built by Harlan & Hollingsworth of Wilmington, Delaware, was among the most advanced racing yachts of her day. Constructed in iron and nicknamed "The Iron Pot", she successfully defended the Cup against the challenger *Atalanta*, representing the Bay of Quinte Yacht Club.
A particularly desirable feature of this work is the extensive handwritten inscription on the reverse by the artist himself. The inscription records details of the race, yacht specifications, construction information, and historical notes relating to *Mischief*. Such detailed annotations are highly characteristic of Bentham-Dinsdale's finest works and considerably enhance both historical interest and collector appeal.
John Bentham-Dinsdale remains one of Britain's most respected twentieth-century marine painters. His highly researched depictions of sailing ships, naval engagements, racing yachts, and maritime history are held in numerous private collections and are sought after by collectors worldwide.
The painting is signed lower left and additionally signed and extensively inscribed verso by the artist.
Presented in an attractive swept gilt frame which complements the historic maritime subject.
**Provenance**
Private Collection.
Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Privately exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum.
The reverse retains a Winsor & Newton / HERGA framing stamp.
A highly collectible marine painting combining fine decorative appeal, documented America's Cup history, and the work of one of Britain's leading maritime artists.
measurements
**Canvas Size**
51cm high × 76cm wide (20.1" × 29.9")
**Framed Size**
64.5cm high × 90cm wide × 5.5cm deep
(25.4" × 35.4" × 2.2")
declaration
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD has clarified that the John Bentham- Dinsdale (1927–2008) - The America's Cup, 1881 - Mischief & Atalanta at the Start of the Race – Marine Oil Painting (LA575275) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being Late 20th Century
condition
Offered in good overall condition. The canvas is stable and displays well with strong colour and excellent visual impact. Minor age-related surface wear and some foxing are present in areas of the sky and sea. The gilt frame shows expected rubbing, losses, small chips, cracks, and wear commensurate with age. Overall, the painting presents exceptionally well and is ready for display.
additional info
Material:
Origin:
Artisan:
Date of Manufacture:
Late 20th Century
location
This John Bentham- Dinsdale (1927–2008) - The America's Cup, 1881 - Mischief & Atalanta at the Start of the Race – Marine Oil Painting is located in Greater London, United Kingdom
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