Charles Robert Patterson (American, 1875-1958) - The Clipper Ship Challenge

Signed ‘Charles Robert Patterson’  bottom left, oil on canvas
40 x 50 in. (101.6 x 127cm)

Provenance

Kennedy Galleries, New York, New York. 
Private Collection, New Jersey. 

Lot Essay

Born in England to a family of shipbuilders, Charles Robert Patterson gained renown for his precise marine paintings, often depicting ships navigating turbulent waters with historical accuracy. He ventured to sea at 13, rounding Cape Horn four times before settling in New York City to pursue his art career. Patterson was an active member of prestigious art societies including the National Arts Club and the American Watercolor Society.

This painting portrays the clipper ship Challenge, constructed in New York by William H. Webb, Challenge was one of 31 American clippers launched in 1851 during the San Francisco gold rush. With a staggering price tag of $150,000, the Challenge stood as the largest merchant vessel of its time, boasting dimensions of 227 feet in length, 42 feet in beam, and a weight of 2,006 tons. Notably, its high length-to-beam ratio earned it the designation of an extreme clipper. Expected to set records on its maiden voyage, Captain Robert H. Waterman was promised a $10,000 bonus if he could navigate the ship to San Francisco in under 90 days. Despite his efforts, adverse weather and a mutiny off Rio extended the journey to 108 days. Waterman was relieved of his command upon arrival in San Francisco, and subsequent masters faced challenges in recruiting crew members. Despite setting speed records, such as completing the voyage from Singapore to San Francisco in just 34 days, subsequent voyages were marred by mutinies, crew illnesses, and mishaps, tarnishing the vessel's reputation. The Challenge changed ownership several times before meeting its demise off the French coast in early 1877.