Watercolour of the Brig 'Success' at Ancona Harbour

Shipbuildervessel built by DUTHIE (Footdee, Aberdeen)

Date1819

Object NameWatercolour

Mediumpencil, pen, ink and watercolour paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

Dimensions52cm wide by 37cm high (unframed)
59cm x 44cm framed

AcquisitionPurchased in 2009 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums

LocationOn Display - Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Object numberABDAG013263

About MeThis beautiful painting shows an Aberdeen-built ship, the Success, arriving safely at Ancona, Italy. The small trading vessel made regular trips to Rio de Janeiro and Newfoundland from London and Liverpool, until she was wrecked in 1831. Alexander Shand was the ship's captain, but also one of her owners as part of a group of Aberdeen merchants.

This is a rare early portrait of an Aberdeen built and owned vessel. The museum was contacted by a collector who had discovered the painting at auction. Money was raised via the National Fund for Acquisitions and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums to secure the painting for the collection.