Antonio Jacobsen Biography

-American. Born November 2, 1850 Copenhagen; son of a violin maker. Although expected to follow his father's footsteps, chose art instead. Studied at the Royal Academy, Copenhagen. Studies interrupted by Franco-Prussian War; to avoid conscription came to America in 1871. In New York City found work decorating iron safes. While so employed painted the vessels of the Old Dominion Steamship Line and began his life work as specialist in steamer portraits.

After 1880 moved to West Hoboken, New Jersey, although appears to have kept studio in New York City. He had three children, Helen, Carl and Alphonse. Antonio died February 2, 1921. He was probably the most prolific American marine painter and is represented in
almost every large marine collection in Europe and America.

Collections: Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA; India House, New York, New York; Mariners Museum, Newport News, VA; Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT; National Scheepvaartmuseum, Antwerp, Belgium; Museo Cifico Navale—Collezione Garelliana, Genoa Pegli, Italy; Peabody-Essex Museum, Salem, MA; Seaman's Bank for Savings, New York, New York.

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