Description
The activity in Provincetown Harbor is the central focus of the image: small sailboats, fishing schooners, cargo ships and a side-wheel steamer across the luminous calm water, reflecting Provincetown’s continuing importance as a maritime hub in the late 19th century. In the foreground, two figures prepare a small rowboat at the water’s edge, grounding the scene in everyday labor and emphasizing the town’s reliance on seafaring trades. On the distant shore, the densely built village rises gently, with several prominent public buildings and church steeples punctuating the skyline. Six major structures are identified in the lower margin, from left to right: Centenary Church, Universalist Church, Orthodox Church, Town Hall, Central School, Center Methodist Church.
F.K Rogers is best known for his 1877 copyright of the print Provincetown from Long Point, presumably acting as artist and publisher. He also was the artist for Balloon View – Provincetown to Boston, published in 1879. In addition, an extant harbor scene watercolor by F.K. Rogers is known.
Provincetown boasts a rich history evolving from Native American inhabitants and the first landing of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in November 1620. The Mayflower Compact was drawn up there, but the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, and Provincetown was not founded as a colony until 1680. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a major center for the whaling and fishing industry. Today it thrives as vibrant resort town celebrated for its pristine beaches, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere as an artist’s and writers colony and LGBTQ+ destination. Long Point is a peninsula located in Provincetown, at the extreme tip of Cape Cod, as it curls back in on itself to create Provincetown Harbor.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning, handling, and wear. Some slightly greater toning and minor discolorations in margin, unobtrusive and can be matted out.
References:
Deák, Gloria Gilda. Picturing America. Princeton University Press, Princeton, N. J.: 1988, Item 852.
