The ST DAVID in rough seas

Artist Pun Woo (Chinese)

Date1884

Object number00006324

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 757 x 990 mm, 4.2 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionAn oil painting on canvas by the Chinese artist Pun Woo of the clipper ship ST DAVID in rough seas with its sails ST DAVID was active in the coal trade between Newcastle and San Francisco and designed by the respected American shipbuilder John McDonald. This painting was produced in Hong Kong during the ST DAVID's visit in 1884. It is one of many ship portraits that were commissioned by captains and owners from local Chinese artists painting in a western style.HistoryThe ST DAVID was built in 1877 by John McDonald of Bath, Maine. The fully rigged ship was 1595 tons and an active vessel in the Pacific trade of lumber and coal. It made a total of five visits to the port of Newcastle between 1899 and 1909. John McDonald was a respected and acclaimed ship builder from the United States who served his apprenticeship under the famed shipwright Donald McKay. Unlike his predecessor, known for building the sleek clipper ship, McDonald focused on incorporating cargo capacity, speed and low maintenance costs into his ships. The vessel HENRY B HYDE is considered to be the finest example of his work. SignificanceThis rare ship portrait can be attributed to the artist Pun Woo, an unusual find as most Chinese trade artists left their works unsigned.