(American, 1839-1929)Civil War Shipwreck, signed lower right "Xanthus Smith 1863", watercolor on paper, 6-3/4 x 10 in.; fine carved gilt wood frame, 17 x 19 in. - Note: Smith served in the Union Army during the Civil War, as a captain's clerk on the USS Wabash, until July 1863.ÿWhile it is difficult to determine when in 1863 this particular watercolor was executed, it is known that he worked in watercolor throughout his service. His skillfully detailed watercolors of naval scenes such as this are what would eventuallyÿlead toÿhis large scaleÿoils ofÿnaval battles that now hang in Museums across the country. - Provenance: Private South Carolina Collection not examined out of archival frame, apparent minor wear at corners not fully visible under frame, tiny area of foxing lower left; frame with minimal wearÿ