Clipper ship RED JACKET. In the Ice off Cape Horn, on her passage from Australia to Liverpool, August 1854.
Publisher
Nathaniel Currier
(1813 - 1888)
Maker
Joseph Smith
Date1855
Object number00005999
NameLithograph
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 557 x 761 mm, 1 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis lithograph depicts the clipper ship RED JACKET in ice off Cape Horn during a passage from Australia to Liverpool. The famous three-masted ship is only half rigged. RED JACKET had a capacity of 2305 tons and was built in Rockland, Maine in 1853. It was well known for transporting passengers to Australia in the mid-19th century during a period of busy migration. RED JACKET became famous after its groundbreaking maiden voyage from New York to Liverpool, which it completed in thirteen days, one hour and twenty-five minutes.HistoryThe era of the clipper ships was dominated by a sense of romance, competition, national pride and innovative technology. These sleek and graceful ships were a symbol of American modernity and fundamental to the expanding global economy. Their design concentrated on speed instead of cargo capacity, a great benefit to shipping companies eager to transport goods quickly. Ship portraits were popular commissions from ship Captains and merchants who wanted to commemorate a particular vessel or maritime event. The development of lithographs and etchings in the mid-19th century made ship portraits more accessible.
The RED JACKET was named after the Native American Seneca chief, Sagoyewatha, known as Red Jacket because he wore a British Army officer's coat. Under Captain Eldridge, the RED JACKET sailed from New York to Liverpool in 13 days, 1 hour, and 25 minutes- a sailing record that still stands today. The clipper was later chartered by the White Star Line for service to Melbourne. Under Captain Reid the vessel made the passage in 69 days, 11 hours, and 15 minutes. RED JACKET was considered the smartest looking ship in the British merchant fleet and one of the fastest.SignificanceThis lithograph is representative of the famous clipper ship RED JACKET, active on the Australian trade route during the mid-19th century.
