A very rare and unusual watercolor painting featuring two passengers of the private steam yacht S.Y Chimera. Painted on board on 24th August 1911, during a 13 hour crossing from Dieppe, France to Netley (Southampton), England.
Condition: Excellent
Date: 24th August 1911
Origin: United Kingdom
History:
This wonderful painting shows two boys, possibly sons of the family that owned the yacht, sitting out on deck. One boy sits at a folding card table, with firey red hair, a blue tie and blazer, perhaps surveying the charts. The other boy, with a large hat to protect him from the sun and a bright red blazer, reads a book whilst sitting in a wicker chair. Remarkably this very chair can be see in a photograph of the yacht (pictured) on the stern deck. This is a truly rare piece of social history from a bygone time.
The painting is signed and dated, with annotations on the card on which it is mounted. The colors are bright and vibrant. The painting has been newly framed and is ready to display.
In the early 20th century, steam yachts were a popular form of luxury transportation for the wealthy and elite. These elegant vessels were powered by steam engines, and were typically used for leisurely cruises and entertaining guests. Steam yachts could be found in harbors and ports throughout the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to the North Atlantic. They were often owned by wealthy individuals or families, who would use them to travel between their various homes and estates, or to entertain guests on lavish voyages. Steam yachts were also used for sporting events, such as yacht races and regattas, where their speed and maneuverability made them a popular choice among competitors. While steam yachts have largely been replaced by more modern forms of luxury transportation, they remain an important part of maritime history and continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
