Joseph B. Smith

1798-1876

American (New York, New York)

A traditional American marine artist in every sense, it is unusual for an artist to exhibit such a high level of quality, which Joseph B. Smith does, and has only two dozen or so known surviving works to his credit. The majority of works were completed in conjunction with his son, William S. Smith, born in 1821. Their partnership appears to have been a full one, rather than a generational apprenticeship. Both lived and practiced together in Brooklyn, until separated by William’s service to the union in the American Civil War.