2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
John Worthington Mansfield (1849-1933) was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and was the oldest of the group of artists known as the Ipswich Painters. Interested in painting from his youth, he sailed to Europe at age 21 to study art in Germany, Austria, and Italy. He ultimately was drawn to Paris where he studied at atelier Bonnat. Upon returning to the United States, he studied at the National Academy of Design. In February 1865 he joined the Union army outside of Richmond. In Mansfield’s brigade were several soldiers from Chelsea, Mass, including Capt. Jesse J. Underhill, whose wife Mansfield met in camp. It was to Mrs. Underhill that Mansfield presented two volumes of pencil and watercolor sketches entitled ‘A Trip to the Army of the James’ an ‘Book of Military Scraps.’ In 1887 he moved to Ipswich with his wife, Helen. He was a versatile artist, using oil and watercolors. He was a skilled etcher and also tried his hand at miniatures. Travels to New York resulted in many beautiful oils of Niagra Falls and the woodlands. He taught at the New England Conservatory of Fine Arts. Mansfield's exhibitions included the National Academy of Design, the New York Society of Etchers, and the Boston Art Club. The following two lots are Mansfield’s art journals of his trip with the Union Army just before the surrender at Appomattox. Both were displayed by the Essex Institute in Salem, Massachusetts in a display dedicated to the works of Mansfield. Wonderful illustrated book “Book of Military Scraps by John W. Mansfield” 20p. octavo, including images of: Sibley tents; Zouaves; Shoulder straps by rank (in color); Fort Independence; Fort Winthrob; several canon, mortars, and guns; flag of the Cumberland; a Berdan sharpshooter’s rifle; Whitney Battery ‘sunk at hte bombardment of Fort Sumter; ‘Gun bent double by a cannon ball at Big Bethel; U.S. Volunteer & Rebel; Merrimac & Roanoke; “Field of Antietam’; “A Skirmish at Yorktown”; and several ironclades by name. 90% are watercolors, the others are pencil & ink. All are fine and masterfully accomplished.
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