Catalogue Entry

This rare painting in Lane’s oeuvre was done in the spring of 1849. Lane was approximately 45 years old. He had moved back to Gloucester from Boston in 1848, ready to turn from printmaking to painting. As early as 1841, Lane had listed himself in a Boston city director as being a “marine painter.” In the autumn of 1849, Lane purchased land on Duncan’s Point (in collaboration with his brother-in-law, Ignatius Winter) and began making plans for the construction of his home/studio.  The structure was completed by 1851. 

While the subject matter of the still life is unusual in terms of Lane’s career, the painting exhibits many of the hallmarks of his work including his attention to detail and his brush handling skills. 

Two notes are found on the back of the painting. The top note, written by Catalina Davis (1865-1932), explains that the painting was done by Lane and presented to her mother, Harriet Mason (Davis) (1824-1874). Catalina states that the flowers were from the Stacy House at 44 Middle Street and were arranged by Fanny Rogers (1829-1865). The bottom note is a letter dated July 23, 1849, written by Harriet Mason (Davis) to Lane thanking him for the painting and for his offer to provide her with instruction in drawing. Harriet also thanks Lane for his kind feelings “expressed toward her family.”

Harriet Mason (Davis) (1824-1874 was born in Cambridgeport, MA, daughter of Alphonso Mason (1792-1840) and Lucy Stratton Mason (1797-1829). Harriet’s father died in the burning/sinking of the packet steamer Lexington in 1840. Harriet married William Fuller Davis (1809-1884) in 1853. She was his third wife and the mother of Catalina Davis. At the time of their marriage, William Fuller Davis was a sailmaker in Gloucester. The Mason family, Davis family and Stacy family were all patrons of F.H. Lane. Harriet had four brothers and one sister. One of her brothers (Sidney Mason) had the Pavilion Hotel built overlooking Gloucester Harbor in 1849.

• Subject Types: 
  • Foliage »