dramatic marine oil painting steam ship of dundee floundering the rescue

Victorian Marine Oil Painting Dundee Vessel in Storm with RNLI Lifeboat

Large British Maritime Rescue Scene Attributed to William Broome (1838–1892)Highlights* Large late Victorian maritime oil painting.
* Attributed to William Broome of Ramsgate (1838–1892).
* Late 19th century.
* Oil on canvas.
* Monogrammed “WB” lower left.
* Vessel traditionally identified as the Ansello of Dundee.
* Dramatic lifeboat rescue in violent storm seas.
* Lifeboat traditionally identified as the RNLI James Sturm.
* RNLI records establish James Sturm at Buckie from 1871–1889.
* Historic Fraser & Son Fine Art dealer label verso.
* Documented Scottish auction provenance.
* Approximately 99 cm wide framed.
* Later decorative gilt frame.IntroductionA substantial and highly atmospheric late Victorian maritime oil painting depicting a distressed Dundee vessel battling mountainous seas while a lifeboat and its crew approach through the storm.The work is attributed to British marine painter William Broome of Ramsgate (1838–1892) and bears a red “WB” monogram lower left.The subject combines detailed observation of Victorian shipping with the heroic tradition of British lifeboat rescue painting.The Maritime SceneThe distressed vessel occupies the middle distance, its dark hull rolling through immense waves beneath a turbulent sky.Masts, rigging, funnel, deck structures and numerous figures have been carefully represented, giving the composition considerable maritime interest.The lifeboat dominates the foreground narrative.Thrown between breaking waves, its crew continue towards the endangered ship despite the severity of the conditions.The artist's handling of the grey-green sea, brilliant white foam and atmospheric storm light gives the painting exceptional movement and dramatic presence.The VesselThe principal vessel was identified when the painting appeared at Scottish auction in 2025 as the “Ansello of Dundee”.The exact historical identity of the vessel remains under continuing research, and this identification is therefore recorded as traditional rather than presented as conclusively established.The James SturmThe lifeboat has traditionally been identified as the RNLI James Sturm.RNLI historical records independently establish that James Sturm served at Buckie from 1871 until 1889.Contemporary records also document the lifeboat taking part in rescue operations during severe weather.If the traditional identification is correct, this provides a particularly interesting historical framework for the subject and potentially places the represented event within the James Sturm's 1871–1889 operational period.William BroomeWilliam Broome (1838–1892) was a Victorian British marine painter associated with Ramsgate.His documented oeuvre includes vessels in rough seas, shipping receiving assistance and maritime rescue compositions involving lifeboats.The present painting's period, subject matter and WB monogram support its attribution to Broome. The attribution is nevertheless presented appropriately as a professional assessment rather than unconditional authorship.Fraser & Son, DundeeThe reverse retains an old fine-art dealer label for:Fraser & Son
Fine Art Dealers
38 Commercial Street
DundeeIndependent documentary evidence confirms Fraser & Son trading from this address as art dealers and picture-frame makers during the 20th century.This provides independently corroborated evidence for an important element of the painting's Dundee history.ProvenanceFraser & Son Fine Art, 38 Commercial Street, Dundee.Private Scottish Dundee marine collection, according to previous provenance.Lindsay Burns & Company, Perth, Scotland, Antiques & Interiors, 5 February 2025, Lot LIVE684.The auction documentation describes the work as a late 19th / early 20th-century Scottish School maritime scene showing an RNLI lifeboat going to the rescue of the stricken vessel “Ansello of Dundee”, oil on canvas, monogrammed lower left, measuring 60 x 90 cm and 69 x 99 cm framed.Acquired from the above sale.DimensionsCanvas:60 x 90 cm.Framed:Approximately 69 x 99 cm.Depth approximately 3 cm.Condition ReportThe canvas remains unlined and displays age-related craquelure, surface wear and staining.There is evidence of historic paint touch-ups and several old patch repairs can be seen from the reverse. Stretcher-bar impressions are also visible.The later decorative gilt frame has general rubbing, scuffs, small losses and wear consistent with age.Please refer to the photographs, which form an integral part of the condition report.ShippingWorldwide shipping is available.The painting will be professionally packed with particular attention given to protecting the canvas and decorative frame during transit.Certificate of Sale & Dealer AttributionThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.Attribution and ResearchThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: Y686E6XXF

Maker/Artist:

Attributed William Broome

Materials:

Oil on canvas

Width (cm):

99

Height (cm):

68.5

Depth (cm):

3

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