ALBERT SEBILLE (1874-1953) "FRENCH LINER ILE DE FRANCE ARRIVING AT NEW YORK." Watercolor on paper. Circa 1949. 21x29 1/2 inches. Condition A. Framed. An accomplished maritime painter (his signature on works is invariably followed by an anchor, emphasizing his connection to sea), Sebille also designed posters relating to sea travel. This delicate, yet intricate work, accurately depicts many of the details on the ship, as well as the impressive buildings in lower Manhattan. Launched in 1927, the Ile de France was employed on the Le Havre-Plymouth-New York route. Commandeered as a military transport during World War II, she "resumed transatlantic sailings on July 21, 1949, after being almost completely rebuilt over a period of two years. Her outward appearance changed by the elimination of her three stacks by two of different design." (Passenger Liners p. 70).
