Emanating from sketch books of Xanthus Smith and initially obtained from the Smith family, this pencil sketch will be of special interest to the collector / historian familiar with Smith’s iconic works such as The Monitor and the Merrimack, the USS Kearsarge battle against the Confederate ship Alabama as well as a myriad of other Civil War nautical paintings and a number of pencil drawings in the 6 ½ X 4 inch preferred size he referred to as ’small, compact, and neat’ now housed in such collections as those of the Smithsonian, U. S. Naval Historical Center, Boston Museum of Art and others. This Xanthus Smith drawing is in the classic 6 ½ x 4 size and remains pleasing condition with strong contrast. Reminiscent of a point in his career when while serving in the Union Navy he studied encountered vessels recording their detail for later reference through drawings such as this one, Xanthus Smith’s work was met with such acclaim that he was considered America’s foremost painter of Civil War naval engagements. A good opportunity to acquire an original example of Smith’s work, this offering will frame up nicely or display well as is. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!