19th-Century British Marine Painting of a Dundee Ship & Lifeboat Rescue

Details

Description

19th-Century British Marine Painting of a Dundee Ship & Lifeboat Rescue

Monumental Storm Seascape Attributed to William Broome of Ramsgate, … Read more 19th-Century British Marine Painting of a Dundee Ship & Lifeboat Rescue

Monumental Storm Seascape Attributed to William Broome of Ramsgate, with Historic Dundee Provenance

Highlights

Large late Victorian maritime oil painting.
Attributed to William Broome of Ramsgate (1838–1892).
Late 19th century.
Oil on canvas.
Monogrammed “WB” lower left.
Dramatic shipwreck and lifeboat rescue narrative.
Vessel traditionally identified as the Ansello of Dundee.
Rescue craft traditionally identified as the RNLI lifeboat James Sturm.
James Sturm documented in service at Buckie between 1871 and 1889.
Historic Fraser & Son Fine Art, Dundee label verso.
Approximately 99 cm wide framed.
Later decorative gilt frame.

Description

A commanding late Victorian marine painting depicting a distressed Dundee vessel engulfed by mountainous storm seas as a lifeboat and its crew fight their way towards her.

Attributed to William Broome of Ramsgate (1838–1892), the work bears a distinctive red “WB” monogram lower left.

The painting possesses tremendous decorative presence. The black-hulled vessel occupies the middle distance, dramatically silhouetted against the storm-filled sky, while her funnel, masts, rigging and deck crew provide a wealth of maritime detail.

In the foreground, the lifeboat rises between enormous white-crested waves.

The contrast between the substantial ship and comparatively vulnerable rescue craft creates a powerful narrative of human courage in the face of an overwhelming sea.

William Broome

William Broome was a British Victorian marine painter associated with Ramsgate.

His documented oeuvre includes shipping in heavy weather, vessels receiving assistance and maritime rescue subjects involving lifeboats.

The present work's WB monogram, late Victorian date, marine subject and rescue narrative support the historical attribution to Broome. Authorship is nevertheless appropriately presented as attributed rather than definitive.

The James Sturm Tradition

The rescue craft has traditionally been identified as the RNLI lifeboat James Sturm.

Historical RNLI records establish that James Sturm entered service at Buckie in 1871 and remained there until 1889. Contemporary records also document the lifeboat participating in rescues during severe weather.

The identification of the boat represented in this painting remains traditional rather than conclusively established.

Historic Dundee Provenance

An old Fraser & Son Fine Art dealer label survives verso, giving the address 38 Commercial Street, Dundee.

Independent documentary evidence records Fraser & Son operating from this address as art dealers and picture-frame makers during the 20th century.

Provenance

Fraser & Son Fine Art, 38 Commercial Street, Dundee.

Private Scottish Dundee marine collection, according to previous provenance.

Lindsay Burns & Company, Perth, Scotland, Antiques & Interiors, 5 February 2025, Lot LIVE684, catalogued as a late 19th / early 20th-century Scottish School maritime scene depicting an RNLI lifeboat going to the rescue of the stricken “Ansello of Dundee”.

Acquired from the above sale.

Dimensions

Canvas: approximately 60 x 90 cm.

Framed: approximately 69 x 99 cm.

Depth: approximately 3 cm.


The later decorative gilt frame displays rubbing, scuffs, small losses and wear commensurate with age.
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Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.


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