Clipper ship NIGHTINGALE

Engraver Charles Parsons

Artist James E Buttersworth (American, 1817 - 1894)

Lithographer Nathaniel Currier (1813 - 1888)

Date1854

Object number00008540

NameLithograph

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 497 x 653 mm, 0.75 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

Battery, The

DescriptionThis lithograph shows the port side of the clipper ship NIGHTINGALE sailing at sea. The vessel played a major role in the Australian gold rush bringing supplies, miners and passengers to the colonies gold fields. News of the discovery of gold reached Boston on 11 October 1851 and the NIGHTINGALE sailed for Sydney only seven days later to arrive on the 19 January 1852. This lithograph was produced after the ship portrait of the NIGHTINGALE painted by J E Buttersworth.HistoryThe first discovery of gold in Australia is attributed to Edward Hargraves in New South Wales in 1851, after he returned from the California goldfields. The gold rush that followed tripled Australia's population in just 10 years. Hundreds of ships travelled to the colony bringing prospectors, businessmen, mining utensils and supplies from countries including China, England and America. This mass movement of travellers and emigrants brought new customs and traditions to Australia that left a lasting impact on society, technology, economy and lifestyle. In many ways the discovery of gold in Australia echoed the California gold rush of 1849. For both countries gold brought people and wealth, dramatically changing their societies and environments. The vessel NIGHINGALE played a role in the migration of Americans to the Australian goldfields. Tens of thousands of American miners criss-crossed the Pacific Ocean on a $20 one-way ticket that bought them a bunk and space for one trunk. They achieved notoriety in Australia mining camps for their flamboyant dress sense and language. As businessmen and merchants they achieved a high profile in the colony and introduced a number of goods and inventions, referred to as 'Yankee notions' in Australia. SignificanceThis portrait represents the first American clipper ship that came to Australia in response to the gold rush. Maritime activity in Australia and its surrounding waters substantially increased due to the discovery of gold.