Thomas Birch 1779-1851

Washington, D.C., The White House, 1961-1963
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Maritime Museum, n.d.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Independence Seaport Museum, Life of a Sailor: A Collector's Vision, September 1999-December 2000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Summers 2001-2003

Generally good condition, lined; craquelure, some surface dirt. Strokes of retouching around the edges of the Macedonian and to left of the United States. Strokes of retouching to address frame abrasion, primarily at lower center at left edge, and other dots and dashes in sky.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Executed circa 1813, this painting depicts the famous naval battle fought during the War of 1812 in which the USS United States pounded the HMS Macedonian into submission off the African coast on October 25, 1812.  The United States' commander, Stephen Decatur, then brought the British frigate back to New London, Connecticut as a war prize.

Shortly after taking office in 1961, John F. Kennedy asked his wife Jacqueline to find a painting of a naval battle to hang over the fireplace in his private office. Hannah Henderson, wife of Philadelphia collector and lawyer J. Welles Henderson, read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, which described the Kennedys' plans for redecorating the White House, including their search for a naval portrait. The article prompted Mr. Henderson to send a telegram to the President offering two of his works that were then on loan to the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, where Henderson was Chairman. The President selected this painting, which hung in the White House during his administration.