ID 432988
Lot 2 | J. Hamer (19th Century)
Estimate value
£ 20 000 – 30 000
H.M.S. "Alert" about to winter off Floeberg beach in the Polar Sea in October 1875. Latitude 82'. 27'. - North.
signed with initials 'J.H.' (lower left), inscribed 'H.M.S. Alert' on an old label on the reverse of the frame
oil on canvas
24 x 36in. (60.9 x 91.4cm.)
Sold with a drinking flask, candle and burner, striker and two ceramic inkwells(?), one stamped 'WEDGWOOD', all thought to be relics of the British Arctic Expedition. 'The drinking flask does resemble those from the 1875-6 British Arctic Expedition that we have in the collections (AAA4013 and AAA4114), described as water bottles or drinking flasks. The design apparently comes from McClintock – we have the plans for the equipment at the Brass Foundry (catalogued as NPD3845-NPD3872)' (Claire Warrior, Royal Museums Greenwich, private communication, 8 Jan. 2020)
A framed diploma from the executive committee of the Royal Naval Exhibition, a handwritten label ('The "Alert" in the Polar Sea preparing to winter in the month of October 1875 drawn from information received from Captn. Markham'), an autograph letter by the artist dated 'October 31st 1880', and a card describing the details in the picture (the text transcribed below) also accompanies the lot:
'Details of the "Alert" not in the descriptive cards.
The principal grounded floeberg is "Look Out Floe" off the starboard bow with steps cut in the ice, another on the starboard side is split.
The hole in the ice under the bowsprit intended to procure water in case of fire .
The ring of ice port side is made up of fresh water blocks for culinary purposes .
Boarding pikes in ice guides to and fro to the ship.-
The preserved meat tins at intervals mark the "mile walk".
The chains are out to keep the ship in position.
Sledge parties are bringing snow-blocks for banking up the vessel - the dog 'Ginger" running to meet them.
Captain Sir F. S. Nares with strap and staff is standing with Captain Markham near whom is the favourite dog "Nellie".-'
Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
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Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
Buyer Premium | see on Website | |
Conditions of purchase | Conditions of purchase |
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