Untitled (The clipper ship THOMAS STEPHENS demasted after a storm)

Artist George Frederick Gregory [Jnr] (1857 - 1913)

Artist Godfrey

Date1894

Object number00017731

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper

DimensionsOverall: 534 x 708 mm, 0.55 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Newcastle

DescriptionThis watercolour painting depicts the clipper ship THOMAS STEPHENS in portside view, in turbulent waters. The vessel's main mast is broken in two pieces. The ship's name can be seen near the bow.HistoryShip painters of colonial Australia supplied a growing market of owners, officers and crew of the thousands of ships visiting Australian ports. Artists worked around the country, painting faithful portraits of ships under sail or steam. From the late 19th century artists began to work with photographers to provide accurate detail. Paintings and photographs were offered on board to be carried back to home ports around the world. This painting is almost certainly by George Frederick Gregory junior and oversigned by Godfrey, whose studio he worked with for a period. The THOMAS STEPHENS, built and launched in July 1869 by William H. Potter & Co., Liverpool for the Black Ball Line, was considered to be one of the finest ships of its time. It was a fast sailing ship and made many passages to Australian waters with passengers and general cargo. During the late nineteenth century, THOMAS STEPHENS traded to many ports; for grain cargo to New Zealand; to Sydney for wool; to Melbourne for wheat; and from Antwerp to Sydney with immigrant passengers.SignificanceThis painting is an excellent example of late 19th century Australian ship portraiture.