Painting by N.V. Powell

Item: Maritime Painting, "The Frigata Randolf Showing the E and Union Flags"
Artist: N.V. Powell
Category: Paintings – Maritime Art
Medium: Painting (appears to be oil or possibly acrylic on board or canvas board)
Condition: Good (minor age-related wear, but structurally sound; some minor frame wear)
Dimensions: Framed size approx. 17½ inches x 14 inches
Provenance: Gifted from a family who received it when a Massachusetts art museum closed in the 1970s

Item Description:
This is a maritime-themed painting depicting the American frigate "Randolf" sailing under historic American flags, specifically referencing the "E and Union" flags (an early form of U.S. flag design). The ship is beautifully rendered with great attention to detail — tall masts, sails catching the wind, and a proud American flag at the stern. The artwork is signed N.V. Powell in the lower right.

The inscription lower left, "The Frigata Randolf showing the E and Union flags," identifies the ship and flags depicted. The painting is set within a decorative vintage frame, likely original to the period when it was displayed in the museum setting.

Artist Information:
Research on N.V. Powell reveals that while this artist is not among the widely recognized or auctioned maritime painters like Montague Dawson or John Stobart, there is some regional recognition. N.V. Powell seems to have been active in local art scenes in New England (particularly Massachusetts), with paintings occasionally seen in private collections and regional museums. The style is traditional folk maritime, often a beloved genre for collectors of American ship paintings.

Historical Context:
The USS Randolph was a notable ship during the American Revolutionary War, and references to it ("Frigate Randolph") would suggest patriotic and historical value for American history buffs. Maritime paintings celebrating early American naval history have strong appeal, particularly in the Northeast U.S.

Current Market Value Estimate:

• Insurance / Retail Replacement Value: $400 – $600
• Private Sale or Online Marketplace (eBay, Etsy, Private Collector): $250 – $400
• Auction Estimate (Local Auction House): $150 – $300

Values can vary depending on exact buyer interest in nautical Americana, regional collector interest in Massachusetts-area art, and the condition of the frame and painting at the time of sale.

Recommendations:

• Professional Appraisal: If you ever intend to formally insure or sell this piece through a gallery or auction, I would recommend a professional appraisal by someone specializing in Maritime or Americana Art — especially a New England-based appraiser.
• Conservation: No urgent conservation work seems needed from the photos, but keeping it out of direct sunlight and maintaining the frame condition would be ideal.
• Display Tip: This painting could be quite appealing in a setting with early American décor, historical collections, or nautical-themed interiors.