Clipper ship RACER

Artist James E Buttersworth (American, 1817 - 1894)

Lithographer Nathaniel Currier (1813 - 1888)

Datec 1855

Object number00006243

NameLithograph

MediumWatercolour ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 659 x 893 mm, 4.7 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis hand coloured lithograph was made after the painting by J E Buttersworth. It depicts the port side of the clipper ship RACER sailing with three sails furled in rough seas. The ship is flying an American flag on its stern and an unidentified flag with a white and red cross on its main mast. The RACER was built by Currier & Townsend and involved in freight and passenger transport to Australia.HistoryThe era of the clipper ships was dominated by a sense of romance, competition, national pride and innovative technology. The sleek and graceful ships were a symbol of modernity in America and a fundamental part of the expanding global economy. Their design concentrated on speed instead of cargo capacity, which was a great benefit to shipping companies eager to transport goods quickly. Often ship owners or Captains would commission portraits to commemorate their vessels. The RACER was a 1700 ton ship built by Currier & Townsend at Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was the first and largest ship to be built specifically for the trade route between New York and Liverpool for the St George Line. It was fitted out with passenger accommodation and cargo space in the hold for freight.SignificanceThis lithograph highlights the production of ship portraits in the mid-19th century. It is indicative of maritime traffic in Australia during the gold rush, a period of expanding global wealth.