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Item Details

"Tuiga & Mariquita Off Saint-Tropez – Stiffening Breeze" by James Miller
Original Oil on Canvas | A Celebration of Classic Yacht Racing

Subject & Medium
This original early 21st-century oil painting on canvas by James Miller captures an exhilarating moment from the world of classic yacht racing. The scene features two of the most iconic early 20th-century cutters—Tuiga and Mariquita—racing off the coast of Saint-Tropez. Rendered with precision and vitality, the work is a compelling tribute to the enduring elegance and competitive spirit of historic maritime design.

The Yachts: Tuiga & Mariquita
These celebrated vessels are more than racing yachts; they are enduring symbols of maritime heritage.

Tuiga was built in 1909 by the renowned Scottish designer William Fife for the Duke of Medinacelli, intended as a twin to Hispania, the royal yacht of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. Measuring 63 feet in length, Tuiga boasts a powerful rig with over 4,400 square feet of sail. After several decades under various owners, she was faithfully restored and continues to participate in prestigious regattas around the world.

Mariquita, launched in 1911 and also designed by Fife, was commissioned by Mr. A.K. Stothert of Kensington. At 82 feet, she raced successfully before being laid up during the First World War. Following a lengthy period out of commission—including use as a houseboat—Mariquita was restored to her former racing glory and now stands as one of the most significant survivors of her era.

Together, these yachts represent a golden age of sail and are still active participants in the classic racing circuit. Their legacy is powerfully captured in this artwork.

Composition & Technique
James Miller’s composition is dynamic and evocative, employing a diagonal structure that enhances the sense of motion as the yachts cut through the wind and sea. The artist’s attention to the geometry of the rigging, the tautness of the sails, and the wake trailing from each hull brings energy and realism to the canvas.

Miller’s palette is distinctly Mediterranean, with deep cobalt and ultramarine blues animating the sea, contrasted with soft sky tones and the crisp whites and creams of the sails. Warm wooden details and polished brass fittings offer visual richness and authenticity. The distant Saint-Tropez coastline appears in sun-washed ochres and earthy neutrals, anchored by the distinctive bell tower on the horizon.

Brushwork ranges from finely detailed to atmospheric. The yachts themselves are rendered with tight control, while the sky and water exhibit a more impressionistic fluidity. The overall effect is both painterly and immersive.

Framing
The work is housed in a complementary black and white double-rebated frame, chosen to enhance the maritime subject and add a refined, contemporary edge to the presentation.

Frame Dimensions: 50 cm (W) × 40 cm (H) × 3.5 cm (D)
Signature
The painting is signed by the artist in the lower left corner, confirming its authenticity.

About the Artist
James Miller (b. 1962) is a respected British Postwar and Contemporary marine artist, renowned for his evocative depictions of maritime and yacht racing scenes. His paintings are held in private and institutional collections and have featured in major exhibitions and auctions. Miller’s balance of technical accuracy and atmospheric depth makes his work highly sought after among collectors of marine art.

Provenance
Commissioned directly from the artist
From a private marine art collection
Sold via a reputable Northern Shire auction
Handled by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Recently museum exhibited

Condition
Overall good condition
No restoration noted
Canvas remains taut and clean
Minor foxing on surface
Frame exhibits some chips, scratches, and minor overpainting
Professionally stored in a climate-controlled environment
A Notable Acquisition
This painting offers collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind original work by a recognised British marine artist. It celebrates the beauty, history, and craftsmanship of two legendary yachts and is ready for display in an elegant frame.

Worldwide shipping available.
Fully insured and professionally packaged for global delivery.

Please contact us with any questions or for further details about this piece.

• Period:
• • Price: £2,600.00
  • €3,082 Euro
  • $3,519 US Dollar
• Location: London
• • Dimensions: H: 40cm (15.75in)
  • W: 50cm (19.69in)
  • D: 3.5cm (1.38in)