SOPHOCLES berthed at Circular Quay

Date1884

Object number00030110

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas, gilt wood frame.

DimensionsImage: 73 x 210 mm
Overall: 255 x 255 x 65 mm
Sight: 73 x 210 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn image of the SOPHOCLES berthed at Circular Quay, painted by its Captain Alexander Smith. The SOPHOCLES was part of the Aberdeen White Star Line and in this image flies the house flag from the mainmast and the red ensign from the mizzen. A steamship is berthed opposite at west Circular Quay with the Rocks in the background. The painting is signed in red on lower right corner reading 'A Smith 1884' and is believed to have been painted by Captain Smith for one of his passengers, the mother of Phyllis Lane, who was aboard the vessel on a voyage from London to Sydney that year.HistoryThe iron clipper ship SOPHOCLES was built in 1879 by Walter Hood and Co for George Thompson of the Aberdeen White Star Line. Primarily a wool trader on the London to Sydney run, SOPHOCLES did carry some passengers and it was on a journey to Sydney (either January or December) that Captain Alexander Smith painted this image as a memento for one of them. Although the SOPHOCLES was known as a "pretty little ship" it was not known for its speed and consistently ran much slower than other ships in the wool trade. There was little to account for the slow pace and overall SOPHOCLES was a reliable 'economic carrier than a record breaker'. One account of yet another delay in 1889 was recorded in the Sydney Morning Herald; "90 days passage for an Aberdeen White Star liner from London to Sydney is in excess of usual time, but is explained by calms and light winds on Western side of Cape of Good Hope, and remarkable run of fearful gales on this side. SOPHOCLES left London 11 June, crossed Equator 17 July and Cape of Good Hope 11 August. In 40 degrees East began 17 days of some of worst weather ship's officers have met with in a lengthy experience. Furious hail and snow squalls came down continuously and ship was running under reefed topsails and foresail. Gigantic seas broke over ship, threatening as if to bury her completely. Decks were constantly being filled up to the rails and cabins were smashed. One fearful sea broke in the sides of 2 of the boats, carried away pooprail and broke all ports forward. On 26 August, 2 of crew lashed to wheel for safety, were thrown over wheel and sustained serious cuts to face and limbs from which they have only recently resumed duty. Captain Smith is taking a holiday at home and ship is under command of Captain Robert Murray, one of oldest master in White Star Line. SOPHOCLES is to load wool for January sales." - Tuesday 17 September, 1889. SignificanceThis painting by Captain Alexander Smith of the SOPHOCLES is an unusual souvenir from a 19th century voyage and alludes to a special relationship between the captain and one of his charges.