An American union jack (detail) from when there were 48 states
(1912-1959). “Jack” is a nautical term for a national banner, of a
different design from the American flag, flown from the bow of U.S. Navy
and Coast Guard vessels. (The American flag is flown from the stern
or a mast.) Some larger non-military vessels also fly jacks, as in the
examples of the “Plymouth” and the “John Fleming” included here.
An old voting booth from Canada – complete with white and black
marbles – doubles as an end table in a bedroom.
Artist: Antonio Jacobsen (Danish-American). Unsigned and undated, but a sketch study for the painting at the Mariners Museum in Newport News,
Virginia is dated 1901. Jacobsen is the most widely collected marine artist and one of the most prolific, with more than 6,000 documented paintings
done over a 40-year career. He charged $5 per painting. (Framing was extra.) He would personally deliver the finished work to the purchaser in order
to solicit additional commissions.
Subject: The steam tugboat “John Fleming” of New York City.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
PHOTO: DEBORAH EDWARDS
SHAKER LIFE | WINTER 2014 43