LADAS
Artist
Reginald Arthur Henry Borstel
(Australian, 1875 - 1922)
Date1919
Object number00015527
NamePainting
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 693 x 644 mm, 4.1 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionOil painting by Reginald Arthur Borstel of the fully rigged steel bark LADAS with its sails unfurled and members of its crew on deck. The vessel flies the Norwegian merchant flag at its stern with a white cross on a red background. This painting is a detailed depiction of the ship that shows its anchor at the bow, funnel, life boats and buoys.
LADAS was active on the trade route between America and Newcastle, New South Wales.
HistoryLADAS was a British bark built by Ritson & Co at Maryport in 1894 and named after a racehorse that won the Derby. LADAS was the most well known and fastest of three sister ships. The vessel was commanded by Captain Tom Messenger on its maiden voyage, traveling from Maryport to Corral, Chile and then on to Newcastle, Australia. LADAS was active between the years of 1914 and 1918, before it was sold to Norwegian interests and broken up in 1921.SignificanceThis painting was produced by one of the last great marine artists to depict sailing ships. It is rare to find a piece of his work available for public display, as the majority of his paintings are owned by private collectors.
