SS Great Britain on arrival at Hobson's Bay, Australia, 1852
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Object number1997.061
TitleSS Great Britain on arrival at Hobson's Bay, Australia, 1852
Creator S. Francis Smitheman (painter)
DescriptionPainting of the SS Great Britain on arrival at Hobson's Bay, Melbourne on her first voyage to Australia in 1852. The ship is the focus of the image in the centre, with her aft starboard side clearly visible. She is shown in the 1852 configuration, with four masts (mostly square-rigged) and two parallel funnels. Her sails are partially set and steam is rising from the port funnel. The ship appears to be at anchor with a cable visible at her bows.
The conditions appear completely calm without any wind. In the foreground the water is calm and a small boat is heading towards the ship. Smoke from the funnels is rising straight into the sky. Towards the left of the painting there are various sailing vessels visible, as well as a hulk in the background. On the right a small paddle steamer is heading towards the Great Britain and a barque is at anchor. The hills around Melbourne are visible in the far distance.
Oil on canvas, framed, by artist S. Francis Smitheman.
Production date 1990 - 1990
Object nameoil on canvas
Object categoryvisual art
Materialcanvas
Techniquepainted
Dimensions
- overall height: 730 mm
overall width: 1030 mm
sight size height: 580 mm
sight size width: 890 mm
Credit lineBy S.Francis Smitheman, Courtesy of the SS Great Britain Trust.