Watercolor on paper showing the harbor and town of Charlotte Amalie by regional artist Ira Smith. The famous port on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is depicted in the mid-20th century, with the old fort and its tower seen in the center mid-distance, and before the port became large and full of cruise ships and hotels and before the mountain was tamed by cable cars.
Ira Smith had an art studio and owned a bed and breakfast inn in Charlotte Amalie. He was a popular American-Impressionist artist, respected by residents and tourists alike. To commemorate the inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the government of St. Thomas presented him a watercolor by Ira Smith. Smith was one of the founding directors, in 1965, of the St. Thomas Historical Trust, the mission of which is to preserve historical sites and the heritage of St. Thomas. Each November, at the Arts Alive Festival in Charlotte Amalie, the Ira Smith Award is given to the best student exhibitor.
The colors are deep and rich, so the painting makes a bold statement. It is atmospheric and luminous, and the overall feeling is of a bright, invigorating Virgin Islands day. It can lighten a wintery room. Smith captured the quaint harbor town in the years before commercial and recreational development made it so large and busy.
The painting is in its original rustic wooden frame, glass and mat. It is signed in the lower left corner.
The sight measurements are 20" x 13.5", the framed dimensions are listed below.
Subject: Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Wear consistent to age and use

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Watercolor

Details:
Country of Origin: United States
Frame Type: Framed
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Landscape, Cityscape, Seascape, Architecture

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Wear consistent to age and use