Lot 231: Édouard Adam (French, 1847-1929) The auxiliary steamer Rishanglys calling for a pilot off a headland

The auxiliary steamer Rishanglys calling for a pilot off a headland
signed 'Ed Adam', inscribed 'Havre' and dated 1877 (lower right)
oil on canvas
62.3 x 91.4cm (24 1/2 x 36in).

The general cargo steamer Rishanglys was built by J. Readhead & Co. at South Shields in 1877. Owned by Robert Harrowing of Whitby, she was registered at 1,198 tons gross (778 net), measured 242 feet in length with a 31 foot beam, and was engined by her builders. After a routinely successful career of twenty years, she was sold to Robert Jobson of West Hartlepool in 1897 and renamed before being put to work under new colours.

The date of this work suggests it was commissioned to commemorate the vessel's entry into service after her completion.