{"product_id":"last-command-rms-lusitania-under-captain-william-thomas-turner","title":"Last Command: RMS Lusitania Under Captain William Thomas Turner","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast Command: RMS Lusitania Under Captain William Thomas Turner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Atmospheric Mid-20th-Century British Marine Portrait Commemorating the Cunard Liner and Her Final Voyage of 1915\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvocative historical portrait of RMS Lusitania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritish School, circa 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitialled J.S. lower left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitled “RMS Lusitania” upper right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepresents the Cunard liner during the period of Captain William Thomas Turner's final command in 1915.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAtmospheric four-funnel profile steaming through unsettled Atlantic waters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOil on board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainting measures 32.5 × 40 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDocumented Criterion Auctioneers, London provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate London marine collection provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently museum exhibited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented within a traditional Larson-Juhl Hampshire gilt wood frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtected behind specialist AR70 anti-reflective glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compelling work for collectors of maritime, Cunard Line and First World War history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew passenger ships have entered collective memory as profoundly as \u003cstrong\u003eRMS Lusitania\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this atmospheric British marine painting, dating to circa the 1950s, the legendary Cunard liner is portrayed at sea during the period associated with \u003cstrong\u003eCaptain William Thomas Turner's final command in 1915\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great ship advances through a restless Atlantic beneath an overcast sky. Her monumental black hull rises above grey-blue waves while the four famous Cunard funnels trail smoke into the atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted several decades after the catastrophe that made Lusitania's name synonymous with the maritime history of the First World War, the work is best understood as an historical and commemorative portrait: a representation of the liner not as a wreck or disaster scene, but as the magnificent ocean-going vessel she had been.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: J.S., British School\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003eLast Command: RMS Lusitania Under Captain William Thomas Turner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1950s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod Represented: 1915\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on Board\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: RMS Lusitania\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Line: Cunard Line\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenre: Marine \/ Maritime \/ Ocean Liner Portrait\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Initialled “J.S.” Lower Left\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInscription: “RMS Lusitania” Upper Right\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Larson-Juhl Hampshire Gilt Wood Frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlazing: AR70 Anti-Reflective Glass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artist has chosen an imposing three-quarter profile that emphasises the extraordinary scale of Lusitania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer towering black hull dominates the lower centre of the composition while the white superstructure and four orange-red funnels create the distinctive profile immediately associated with Cunard's great Edwardian liners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark smoke trails aft beneath a turbulent sky painted in subdued grey, mauve and ochre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe restrained palette is particularly effective. Rather than presenting Lusitania amid disaster, the artist has created a dignified portrait of the liner at sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result acquires additional poignancy from historical hindsight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRMS Lusitania\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLaunched in 1906 for the Cunard Line, RMS Lusitania was among the most technologically advanced passenger liners of her generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by Leonard Peskett, she measured approximately \u003cstrong\u003e787 feet overall\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a gross tonnage of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e31,550 tons\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer machinery developed approximately 76,000 horsepower and drove four propellers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith her immense black hull, white superstructure and four funnels, Lusitania became an unmistakable presence upon the North Atlantic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether with her sister Mauretania, she represented Britain's determination to compete at the highest level of transatlantic passenger travel during the opening years of the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed and the Atlantic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLusitania was conceived not simply as a luxurious liner but as an exceptionally fast one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer performance helped establish her international reputation and placed her among the defining ocean liners of the Edwardian period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ship's great scale, engineering sophistication and transatlantic role made her both a technological achievement and a powerful symbol of the Cunard Line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat grandeur is the aspect emphasised by the present artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Final Crossing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLusitania departed New York on \u003cstrong\u003e1 May 1915\u003c\/strong\u003e for Liverpool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptain William Thomas Turner was in command.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 7 May, as the liner approached the southern Irish coast, the German submarine U-20 fired a torpedo which struck Lusitania.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ship sank rapidly with catastrophic loss of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe destruction of such a famous passenger liner became one of the most controversial maritime events of the First World War and had profound international repercussions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present work was painted approximately four decades later and consequently represents an historical interpretation of the ship during this period rather than a contemporary record of the final voyage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaptain William Thomas Turner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam Thomas Turner (1856–1933) was a Liverpool-born merchant captain and one of Cunard's most experienced commanders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe joined Cunard during the 19th century and eventually commanded several of the company's most important vessels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurner became Commodore of the Cunard fleet and was appointed an Honorary Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis reputation rested particularly upon his abilities as a navigator and ship handler.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurner had previously commanded Lusitania before returning to the liner in 1915.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the vessel was torpedoed, he remained aboard until the sinking swept him into the sea. He survived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subsequent official Wreck Commissioner's Inquiry concluded that Turner and his officers were competent and had performed their duties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis association with Lusitania consequently remains one of the most compelling personal narratives within the history of the ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate London marine collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCriterion Auctioneers, Park Royal, London, \u003cem\u003eWeekly Art, Antiques \u0026amp; Interiors Auction\u003c\/em\u003e, 3 March 2025, \u003cstrong\u003eLot 191\u003c\/strong\u003e, catalogued as \u003cem\u003e“A 20th century oil on board of R.M.S. Lusitania, with a title to the upper right and initialed to the lower left, framed with an inscription to the reverse.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently museum exhibited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 32.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 40 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 56 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 66 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 3 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented in used vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted surface remains in acceptable overall order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe board has some warping and displays areas of foxing, staining and craquelure. There are areas of historic paint touching-in to the lower portion of the hull together with minor paint loss towards the stern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame displays general age and use-related wear, including scuffs, scratches, staining, cracking and some chips and losses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is presented behind specialist AR70 anti-reflective glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is fitted with hanging cord and the work is ready for wall display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer carefully to the accompanying photographs, which form an integral part of the condition assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe framed and glazed painting will be professionally packed for safe transit, with particular attention given to protecting the artwork, specialist glazing and frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution and Research\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55195897495930,"sku":"CAC-SK-0350","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/lusitania.jpg?v=1743165554","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/en-nl\/products\/last-command-rms-lusitania-under-captain-william-thomas-turner","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}