The SARAH SANDS

Artist Joseph Heard (c 1800-1859)

Date1850

Object number00040580

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas, wood, metal, cork

DimensionsOverall: 725 x 1020 x 50 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis painting by Joseph Heard depicts the innovative steamship SARAH SANDS sailing past a distant shoreline in the background. The SARAH SANDS was built in 1846 and used for trade between Australia and San Francisco. Its combination of steam and sail power was cutting edge at the time of its launch.HistoryThe SARAH SANDS was designed and built in 1846 and used for Australian trade with San Francisco. It was cutting edge in marine technology being the second screw-propeller driven steamship in the world (after the GREAT EASTERN). Built as a sail-assisted steam-ship, it had two coal-powered engines and was named after the wife of the mayor of Liverpool; her name in turn was given by Robert Barry, a passenger onboard, to the Sarah Sands Hotel opened in Melbourne in December 1854. The ship had a carpenter's weight of 1,000 tons and a burden of 400 tons. It measured 215 x 32 feet, with an iron hull and single screw. The vessel was built by James Hudson and Company of Liverpool and launched in 1846. It operated between Liverpool and New York for the Sands Line until December 1849. Then it was chartered to the Empire City Line, traveling to Panama from San Francisco until October 1850. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company then bought the vessel in 1850 and used it until July 1851. The SARAH SANDS took advantage of the great demand for passenger ships going to Americas west coast, created by the discovery of gold in California during 1848. In 1851 gold was also discovered in Australia and SARAH SANDS was sold once more and used on the route from San Francisco to Australia and back to England. It completed a circumnavigation over five years. In 1858, after the boilers and drive gear wore out, the vessel was converted to a training ship and wrecked off Bombay SignificanceThis painting is representative of 19th century ship portraits and the development of ship designs. In 1846, the SARAH SANDS was the second only screw-propeller driven steamship in the world. Her construction marked a shift from the use of sail power to steam power.