Rare early and fine Jacobsen oil on canvas portrait of the black hulled Niagara steam-sail ship in heavy seas. The heavy swells are portrayed with luminous troughs and great variation – qualities characteristic with Jacobsen paintings dating from 1870’s to mid. 1880’s primarily. (Later Jacobsen works have much more stylized waves and skies). The Niagara is shown flying an American flag and the Ward Line house flag. Seven figures can be seen on her deck, and the ship’s name is on the deck house. In the distance, another steamship is depicted with fine detail, just off the stern of the Niagara. A clearing sky with passing dark clouds and patches of blue sky is captured overhead. Signed lower right “Antonio Jacobsen NY 1877/2578th Ave near 23 St.” Housed in a fabulous gold leaf, period style frame with artist and title plaque, the back retaining a Quester Gallery label. The Niagara was built by John Roach & Son in Chester, PA for the Ward Line, a prominent mail steamship company operating out of New York, NY from 1841-1954. The Niagara registered 294′ L, 38′ D, 23′ B, and 2265 tons. LITERATURE: Sniffen, Harold S. Antonio Jacobsen – The Checklist. New York, NY: Smith Gallery Publications Office with The Mariner’s Museum, Newport News, VA; 1984. pp. 218-219. SIZE: 22″ x 36″. Overall: 30″ x 44″. CONDITION: Very good, lined on new stretcher, some minor inpainting. 52096-5 (10,000-15,000)