The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.

Lewis Victor Mays Watercolor Prison Hulk at Portsmouth

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Start price: $200

Estimated price: $400 - $600

Buyer's Premium: 25%

Description

Lewis Victor Mays (American, 1927-2015). Watercolor on paper, Prison Hulk, Portsmouth, Early 19th C., 1983. Signed and dated lower left. The verso features an American Society of Marine Artists exhibition entry label marked ACCEPTED, a typed descriptive gallery label, and a hand-calligraphed artist statement signed V.M. Sight: 14 x 18 3/4 in. Frame: 20 1/2 x 24 7/8 x 3/4 in.

Peter surrounded himself with the sea even on land. These watercolors by the marine painter Lewis Victor Mays hung in the Benchley home as part of a collection of ships and seascapes that reflected his lifelong fascination with the age of sail, when Spanish and British ships crossed the Atlantic to the New World.

From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.


Condition report:

The watercolor is in excellent condition with no visible signs of foxing, toning, or color loss. The frame exhibits very minor, age-appropriate surface wear.