American  1908-1968

oil 24" x 30"

   This dramatic seascape with racing boats has its original exhibition label probably from the 1950s with the price of $600. Cosgrave was one of the most famous cover artists in the 1930s for Fortune Magazine, known for his marine subjects. He was a painter, engraver, writer, and graphic artist.

   His cover and illustration art appeared also in Life and Yachting magazines, and books including Salt Rivers of the Masachusetts Shore, Robert Frost's anthology Road Not Taken, Cleared for Action: Four Tales of the Sea, Long Ships Passing, and The Log of Christopher Columbus First Voyage to America.

   He contributed paperback bookcovers: Ellery Queens Double Double. the classic Newberry Award Winner, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. The Encyclopaedia Britannica carries a reproduction of his painting Yacht America. He also illustrated his own books including American Saling Crafts, and Donald McKay: Designer of Clipper Ships.

   His work and career is discussed in Jackets Wanted, Illustrators of Childrens Books 1744-1945, Artist in California 1786-1940, the exhibition catalog Pictorial Covers 1920-1950, The Salons of America, and most standard references.