Broadside port view of gunboat HMVS ALBERT

Subject or historical figure James Bryance Conder (1872 - 1954)

Datec 1900

Object number00005675

NamePainting

MediumOil on canvas, wood

DimensionsOverall: 471 x 572 x 32 mm, 1.45 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert Murphy

Terms

DescriptionThis painting depicts a broadside port view of the Victorian Colonial Navy gunboat HMVS ALBERT under steam at sea. The painting belonged to James Conder, who served on HMV Ships CERBERUS, NELSON and ALBERT between 1892 and 1896.HistoryJames (Jim) Bryance Conder was one of thousands of Australian sailors who helped to shape Australia's naval history. His naval career, interspersed with periods ashore, illustrates all stages in the transition from British control of Australia's naval defence to full local responsibility with the formation of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It also shows what a strong imprint the Royal Navy had on the RAN. Conder joined the Royal Navy in Australia in 1891 aged 19 having sailed in the merchant ships ELLORA and AVENGER over the previous two years. He served on HMS ORLANDO, HMVS CERBERUS, HMVS NELSON, gunboat HMVS ALBERT, HMS KATOOMBA, HM Ships CHALLENGER and PSYCHE.SignificanceThis painting relates to James Bryance Conder, whose naval career spanned four different navies in the service of Australia between 1891 and 1937.