Keywords: maritime art, historical subject, sailing ships, Age of Discovery, Christopher Columbus, Santa Maria, naval illustration, early twentieth century, European watercolor, historical illustration

Authentometer™: A9*

Summary:
Frank-Will, born Frank William Boggs (French, 1900–1950), signed watercolor and gouache on paper depicting a fleet of elaborately rigged sailing ships associated with Christopher Columbus. Signed ‘Frank-Will’ lower left and inscribed lower right ‘Santa Maria de Cristoforo Colombo,’ with additional inscription referring to the return from America and the date 1493.

Frank-Will was the son of American-born painter Frank Myers Boggs and studied in his father’s Paris studio before abandoning architectural studies to devote himself to painting. Closely associated with Montmartre and the École de Paris, he became particularly known for his watercolors of Paris, coastal views and maritime subjects. His work includes numerous depictions of harbors, ships and galleons, particularly scenes inspired by the Normandy and Atlantic coasts. He exhibited at several prominent Paris galleries, including Galerie Georges Petit.

Measurement: Art: 20 1/4 x 36 1/4 in. (51.4 x 92.1 cm.), Frame: 22 3/4 x 38 3/4 in. (57.8 x 98.4 cm.) approx

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