Catalogue Entry

This sheet music cover is unsigned. It was attributed to Lane by James Craig in his 2006 publication on the basis of its subject and the fact that it was printed at Pendleton's during the years that Lane was working there.

The attribution to Lane is persuasive, particularly so in the sails and rigging of the vessels depicted, most notably the ship at center. With sails partially raised, she is bearing off to leave port, her main and mizzen topsails drawing with the fore topsail aback. An approaching rowboat may put a pilot on board—and/or return the vessel’s owner or agent to shore.

The set of the sails is not only correct, but the shading of the fore topsail shows accurately how the wind is pressing the canvas against the fore topmast, the topmast shrouds, and the fore lower yard lifts. Lane must have learned much practical seamanship from childhood on, first from his father, a sailmaker, and later from other sailmakers, as well as mariners and other waterfront artisans.

Astern of the ship is a deep-loaded topsail schooner— a vessel type commonly used for carrying bulk cargos in the coastal trade. Alongside the pier is a merchant sloop, a type often seen in the coastal short-run packet trade. A small ketch-rigged boat (minus a bowsprit and jib) appears in the left background—a type commonly used in the Boston area for shore fishing and later for pleasure sailing.

The setting has not been identified, but the cob wharf and stone warehouse were common to Boston’s waterfront since colonial times. The light house at left bears some resemblance to Boston Light, but the island profiles around it do not agree with any published view. Lane was probably too unfamiliar with the harbor’s geography—and too aware of his lack of that knowledge—to attempt an accurate depiction.

– Erik Ronnberg