METEOR
Datec 1852
Object number00006129
NamePainting
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 645 × 850 mm, 1.05 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
Collections
DescriptionThis painting by an unidentified artist, shows the fully rigged ship METEOR sailing in calm waters and flying an American flag from its mizen mast.
This painting is one of a large number of ship portraits produced by Chinese trade artists in the style of western art.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 and was a great benefit to shipping companies eager to transport goods quickly.
China trade artists painted a large number of ship portraits depicting Western vessels. They were typically formulaic in style and depicted a greenish-grey sea against a monotone sky. These works were commissioned by western ship owners or captains and were very rarely signed by their Chinese artists.
The METEOR was built in 1852 by E & H O Briggs at South Boston and involved in trade between America, China and Australia. During its construction the ship was bought by Curtis & Peabody and undertook numerous passages under the Captain Samuel W Pike. In 1862 it was sold to British interests in the Far East (India).SignificanceThe clipper ship was the backbone of maritime trade in the mid 19th century. This painting is representative of the extensive trade between America and China in the 19th century and the production of Chinese trade ship portraits.
