William Gibbons, the Ship Rothesay Wrecked on the Great Mewstone - Antique Oil Painting

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This dramatic late-19th-century oil on canvas by British artist, William Gibbons (1841-1886) depicts the Rothesay wrecked on the Great Mewstone, a rocky island near Plymouth in Devon. It was painted just three years after the incident occurred.

The story of the Rothesay is one of local legend and would’ve fascinated Gibbons who lived in Plymouth for most of his life. At 145 feet long, this 332-ton ship was a sight to behold when stranded on these notorious rocks. She was constructed in 1874 and wrecked in 1877 when travelling from Caen to Cardiff.

During the journey, force 11 winds forced her to head for the safety of Plymouth but on the way she struck the Great Mewstone. It was one of the most terrifying storms for decades. Upon striking the rocks, one of the crew was thrown overboard and, via some kind of miracle, survived. He then helped his crewmates escape the sinking wreck - no lives were lost.

Gibbons painted various shipwrecks throughout his career and was particularly bewitched by the turbulent waters off the South Devon coast.

Signed/dated in the lower left and held within a later scroll and foliate frame.

Please note that this painting will need to be crated if shipped overseas. A cost for the crate will be added on during checkout.

Learn more about William Gibbons in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 46” x 27” / 118cm x 69cm

Year of creation: 1880

Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction highlight: £4,200 achieved for an oil painting in 2002.

Physical Dimensions

Height

69cm (27.17")

Width

118cm (46.46")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA919935

Description

“

The story of the Rothesay is one of local legend and would’ve fascinated Gibbons who lived in Plymouth for most of his life.

Brave Fine Art

At 145 feet long, this 332-ton ship was a sight to behold when stranded on these notorious rocks. She was constructed in 1874 and wrecked in 1877 when travelling from Caen to Cardiff.

fig 1. William Gibbons, The Ship Rothesay Wrecked On The Great Mewstone - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. William Gibbons, the Ship Rothesay Wrecked on the Great Mewstone - Antique Oil Painting

During the journey, force 11 winds forced her to head for the safety of Plymouth but on the way she struck the Great Mewstone. It was one of the most terrifying storms for decades. Upon striking the rocks, one of the crew was thrown overboard and, via some kind of miracle, survived. He then helped his crewmates escape the sinking wreck - no lives were lost.