Harte’s Island of St. Thomas by Bret Harte 1868 When the question of the purchase of the Danish West Indies by the United States came up in 1868, Bret Harte, a California poet, wrote a poem which became popular at the time. The islands had recently suffered a hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake the year before, which […]
St. Thomas 🇩🇰
Honoring the Anniversary of TRANSFER DAY ~ 1917
Today marks the 108th anniversary of the historic transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States of America. On March 31, 1917, against the backdrop of global uncertainty and mounting fears over Germany’s ambitions, Denmark formally ceded the islands to the United States for $25 million. The strategic move aimed to protect American […]
New Book! ~ Runaway Virgins by Enrique Corneiro
Runaway Virgins I recently purchased this brand new book entitled, Runaway Virgins by Enrique Corneiro. It is incredibly moving! Enrique shared over 250 slavery-related advertisements that he curated from the old Danish newspapers to help shine a light on what life was like for the enslaved people of the Danish West Indies, now the US Virgin Islands. More than 300 specific […]
Amazing Harbor Painting of St. Thomas by Carl Ludwig Bille Up For Auction ~ 1868
Danish West Indies ~ Paintings Beautiful paintings of the Danish West Indies are rare, but they do come up for auction every once in a while. As soon as they’re discovered, I share them here on the blog for you. You may remember some of these artists that I’ve featured. Paintings by Larry Gluck Charles […]
Newly Discovered Camille Pissarro Painting Up For Auction!
Portrait of a Boy 1852 – 1855 This rare painting is an incredible find! It is a Camille Pissarro painting, truly a one of a kind original by the famed impressionist. It’s been examined first hand by the Wildenstein Institute and authenticated. Camille Pissarro Camille Pissarro was born on the island of St. Thomas in […]
190 Vintage Photographs of the Danish West Indies Up for Auction!
Vintage Photograph Album A rare album containing more than 190 vintage photographs from the Danish West Indies and US Virgin Islands is up for auction! They include photographs from the 1900s to the 1920s. This vintage photograph album portrays rare images from St. Croix and St. Thomas on Transfer Day 1917. Also included are images from […]
Colorful Coastal Scene of St. Thomas on Auction ~ 1824
Coastal Scene of St. Thomas So many artists have attempted to capture the beauty of the islands in their paintings. 🎨 Rightly so, the Virgin Islands is stunning! This unique print of St. Thomas is close to 200 years old! Unfortunately, the print sold before I had a chance to share the listing. It was […]
Rare View of St. Thomas From Havensight ~ 1809
View of St. Thomas The auction house of Bruun Rasmussen offers some of the most unique artwork and artifacts from the Danish West Indies. Yesterday, this detailed print of St. Thomas was sold for 3,200 kroner or approximately $528.00 US dollars. It’s a rare view taken from Havensight that you don’t often see. Joseph Constantine […]