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Lot 963: S. Francis Smitheman, The Steamship The Great Britain Arriving at South Street, New York, Framed Photomechanical Print
This lot features a framed photomechanical reproduction print after an original maritime painting by S. Francis Smitheman (British, 1927-2016). The scene depicts the historic vessel, the SS Great Britain, during its arrival at South Street, New York, on the 10th of August, 1845, marking its maiden voyage. The composition shows the large black-hulled steamship with its distinctive single funnel and six masts docked at a busy wharf, surrounded by smaller vessels, horse-drawn carts, and figures in mid-19th-century attire.
The print includes several inscriptions in the lower margin. To the bottom left, it reads Painted by S. Francis Smitheman, A.T.D., B.A., F.R.S.A. The central title is The steamship The Great Britain arriving at South Street, New York, on 10th August, 1845 on her maiden voyage. The lower right margin bears the copyright notice © s.s. Great Britain Project. A printed facsimile signature, Smitheman, is also visible within the lower-left corner of the image area.
The print is presented in a white card mount and housed within a dark-stained wood frame featuring a gilt-finished inner slip and protective glass. No edition numbering or hand-signature is present, indicating this is a commercial commemorative print, likely produced for the SS Great Britain Trust.
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