Up for sale is a stunning and rare oil painting by the talented 19th century American painter Joseph Lyman. Showing a rare scene of Manhattan from Governors Island, as titled verso, this painting is executed in oil on board measuring 6.25 x 9.5 inches while its ornate period frame measures 16 x 19 inches. Signed low right “J. Lyman” there appears to be a date after which is illegible. Compositions by Lyman are scarce on their own but to find an image outside of his general coastal landscapes is exceedingly rare. Of all cityscapes none can rival that of New York City making this work that much more exciting documenting the worlds most famous city when it was still young. Lyman moved to New York city in 1860 which this painting appears to date relatively close to that. A lovely sky decorated with clouds cast with light purple tones and bright blue sky sit over the city absent of its current skyscrapers as steamships power down the river in the foreground.

I particularly love this painting from the fine detail, subject matter and composition from the small seagulls in the foreground circling the buoy to the steel frames from buildings mid construction. Steam ships and a large barge are seen on the water while docked to the far right are faintly seen are clipper ships. The painting shows some dirt and surface grime benefiting from a good cleaning while the frame shows significant loss. The images provided accurately represent the quality, condition and aesthetic beauty of this stunning mid 19th century depiction of Manhattan from Governors Island by Joseph Lyman but if you have any questions please feel free to ask prior to purchasing!