CYGNET under sail at sea
Maker
Fred Dawson
(c 1890-1925)
Date1899
Object number00007991
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour on paper
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis painting by Frederick Dawson depicts the two-masted coastal trading schooner CYGNET, in portside view under sail at sea. The ship's name can be seen along the hull. Frederick Dawson was a marine painter during the 1890s to 1920s.HistoryCYGNET was a two masted trading schooner, built in 1846 by John William Russell in Melbourne for W. H. Blakeley. In 1849 the CYGNET traded between Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney and Port Albert. Between 1850 - 1859, it traded between Melbourne, Geelong and Circular Head. During the 1860s and 1870s it traded between Melbourne, Geelong, Portarlington, Western Port, Warrnambool, Melbourne, Port Albert and Circular Head. CYGNET is thought to have been wrecked in 1876, cargo unknown.
Ship 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.SignificanceThis painting is an excellent example of late 19th century Australian ship portraiture.
