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Boston Harbor
John S. Blunt (American, 1798–1835)
1835
Medium/Technique
Oil on panel
Dimensions
52.07 x 71.44 cm (20 1/2 x 28 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Martha C. Karolik for the M. and M. Karolik Collection of American Paintings, 1815–1865
Accession Number47.1240
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsPaintings
Blunt captured a rare event-the partial freezing of Boston Harbor. Ice was a serious hazard to shipping; in the distance a line of men pull a ship across the frozen water to get it to its destination. An inscription on the back of the painting locates the scene one mile below Boston's Castle Island, facing east.
InscriptionsReverse, before fading: Boston Harbour Jany 12th 1835 I mile below the Castle looking to the East J S Blunt
ProvenanceThe artist; Louis Joseph Auction, Boston, 1945; with Charles D. Childs, Boston, 1945; to Maxim Karolik, Newport, R.I., 1945; to MFA, 1947, gift of Martha C. (Mrs. Maxim) Karolik.