Attributed to Samuel Holburn Fyfe

William Sloan Shipping Company Ltd.
From whom purchased by the father of the present owner
Thence by descent

STRUCTURE The canvas is unlined and may benefit from restretching PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is dirty with traces of a discoloured varnish. There are also areas of craquelure, stretcher marks and a tear in the lower, left corner of the work. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals no sign of retouching or restoration. FRAME Held in the original plaster gilt frame with some chips to the gilt.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Portraying an intermediary stage in the transition from sail to the fully powered steam vessel, Antona retains a full three masted topsail schooner rig, complemented by auxiliary steam power. Here the combination enables the outward bound vessel to 'motor-sail' almost directly into the southerly wind; the imposing expanse of sail incidentally adding considerably to the composition's aesthetic appeal

Identification stems from the name flag at the mainmast, the house flag at the foremast being that of the St. Rollox Shipping Company, later to become William Sloan & Co. Ltd. Glasgow. (see "William Sloan & Co Ltd, Glasgow 1825-1968, World Ship Society 1987").  At this early period, the red burgee at the mizzen mast gives early notice to approaching vessels that, despite possible confusion with a fully rigged sailing vessel, she is under power and so ranks as a steamer for the purpose of complying with the 'Collision Regulations'

Just ahead of Antona is the unmistakable Clyde landmark of Elbow Lighthouse and its outbuildings on Little Cumbrae. Nearer to the right margin is an inward bound auxiliary steamer. As regards rig and livery she is almost identical with Antona, apart from having a raked 'clipper bow' in contrast to the latter's more modern vertical stem. Near the left margin is a third auxiliary steamer exhibiting the same funnel colours. Having a 'clipper bow' and only two masts (square rigged on both) this outward bound auxiliary powered brig represents a slightly earlier stage in the application of steam power. As a trio they reflect the beginnings of the firm's progressive switch from sail to steam and from wood to iron hulls.

The Antona portrayed in the painting was launched in 1863 and was actually the second steamer of that name, the first being built by Neilson of Glasgow in 1859 for Sloan's coastal service between the Clyde, Belfast and the Bristol Channel ports.  Her replacement depicted here was built of iron by Barclay, Curle & Co. of Glasgow in 1863, and was somewhat larger, measuring 190 by 27 by 14 feet, (Official Number 45965). After fifteen years service, Antona II was sold to J. Bell of Glasgow who installed modern and much more efficient 'compound' engines. Like so many iron hulled steamers of the period she proved long lived. The combination of sail and steam suited the Mediterranean coastal service; Lloyd's Register for 1903 recording the last owner as "Bell's Asia Minor S. S. Co".  She was broken up at Alexandria in the same year.

We are extremely grateful to Sam Davidson for his assistance in cataloguing this work.