James Gale Tyler

Private Collection
By descent from the above, the grandfather of the present owner

Canvas is unlined. SURFACE: In overall good condition. UNDER UV: No signs of inpainting.
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.

In a handwritten letter, dated May 15, 1928, the artist describes the ship, 'Three Brothers', and his painting of it as follows: "She was about the largest galley ship of her day, the early seventies, long and lean.  She was formerly the steamship, Vanderbilt, carried the greatest sail spread.  Her lower square sails were unusual and the fore sail and main sail were double-reefed.  The mizzen (rarely used) had a single reef.  She also had reefed upper topsails.  I placed her in the position to show a better view of her fine lines forward also adding because of the near perspective the appearance of a longer jib boom--hers being somewhat shorter than usual even though she carried more jibs or head sails.  It is more artistic not to show everything in the way of sails set, as it would look too much like a sail plan.....There is no finer picture of a ship by me."  The original letter is offered together with the lot.