{"product_id":"the-celebrated-flying-p-liner-postosi-driving-through-the-drake-passage-in-formidable-southern-seas","title":"The Celebrated Flying P-Liner Postosi Driving Through the Drake Passage in Formidable Southern Seas","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCape Horn Under Sail: M. Job’s Oil Portrait of the Five-Masted Potosi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCirca 1900 — The Celebrated Flying P-Liner Driving Through the Drake Passage in Formidable Southern Seas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonumental maritime portrait of the celebrated five-masted barque \u003cstrong\u003ePotosi\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePainted by M. Job, early 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating to circa 1900.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned “Job” lower right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInscribed verso \u003cstrong\u003e“Potosi, Launched June 8th 1895.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inscription corresponds with the vessel's documented historical launch date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally identified as depicting Potosi navigating the Drake Passage \/ Cape Horn waters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly detailed rendering of the vessel's extraordinary rigging and sail plan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowerful treatment of the mountainous breaking seas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOil on canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImpressive framed dimensions of 79.5 × 110 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented within a decorative gilt frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDocumented Tayler \u0026amp; Fletcher auction provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously from a Southern England private estate \/ collection.\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\u003eA commanding historical maritime painting celebrating the final great era of commercial sail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith her vast spread of canvas straining against the wind and mountainous waves breaking beneath her steel hull, the legendary five-masted barque \u003cstrong\u003ePotosi\u003c\/strong\u003e dominates this remarkable early 20th-century maritime painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned by the artist \u003cstrong\u003eJob\u003c\/strong\u003e and dating to circa 1900, the work captures one of the most extraordinary commercial sailing vessels constructed during the final great age of the windjammer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotosi is presented almost broadside, allowing the artist to celebrate the extraordinary complexity of her five-masted rig while simultaneously conveying the violent power of the surrounding sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe location is traditionally identified as the formidable waters associated with the \u003cstrong\u003eDrake Passage and Cape Horn\u003c\/strong\u003e — an evocative and historically appropriate setting for a vessel whose working life was intimately connected with the demanding trade routes between Europe and the west coast of South America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular historical interest, the reverse carries the inscription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Potosi, Launched June 8th 1895.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe date corresponds with the documented launch of the historic vessel and provides an important direct connection between the painting and the actual Potosi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: M. Job, Early 20th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003eCape Horn Under Sail: M. Job's Portrait of the Five-Masted Potosi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescriptive Title: \u003cem\u003ePotosi Navigating the Drake Passage, Cape Horn\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: Circa 1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on Canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Signed “Job” Lower Right\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInscription: “Potosi, Launched June 8th 1895” Verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: Five-Masted Steel Barque Potosi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation Depicted: Traditionally Identified as Drake Passage \/ Cape Horn Waters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenre: Maritime \/ Marine Painting \/ Ship Portrait\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Decorative Gilt Frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is constructed around the extraordinary horizontal profile of Potosi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great steel-hulled vessel stretches across the painting, her five masts rising through an atmospheric sky while an intricate network of rigging creates a remarkable counterpoint to the broad planes of the sails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine linear detailing articulates the rigging and maritime architecture while carefully controlled tonal transitions give weight and curvature to the sails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \u003cstrong\u003ePOTOSI\u003c\/strong\u003e is represented upon the bow, identifying the vessel portrayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy contrast, the foreground sea is visceral and energetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark swells surge towards the viewer, their crests transformed into heavily worked passages of pale paint. This pronounced treatment gives the water a physical presence and provides a dramatic counterpoint to the more precisely rendered ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA distant vessel further reinforces the sense of scale and maritime activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotosi: A Giant of the Windjammer Era\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotosi was constructed in \u003cstrong\u003e1895 by Joh. C. Tecklenborg at Geestemünde, Germany\u003c\/strong\u003e, for the Hamburg shipping company \u003cstrong\u003eF. Laeisz\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt of steel and measuring approximately 133 metres in length, she was among the great commercial sailing vessels developed for long-distance bulk transportation at the end of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotosi was rigged as a five-masted barque.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer first four masts were square-rigged while the fifth carried fore-and-aft sails, creating the extraordinary sail plan represented in the present painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer principal commercial role was associated with the South American nitrate trade, carrying cargo between the west coast of South America and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese voyages required vessels capable of enduring some of the world's most challenging sailing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Flying P-Liners\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotosi belonged to the celebrated fleet operated by F. Laeisz and collectively remembered as the \u003cstrong\u003eFlying P-Liners\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company developed an international reputation for exceptionally fast, strongly constructed and efficiently managed sailing vessels, many traditionally bearing names beginning with the letter P.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese ships became especially associated with the Chilean nitrate trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when steam propulsion was rapidly transforming international shipping, the Flying P-Liners represented the extraordinary technical sophistication that large commercial sailing ships had achieved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotosi was among the most spectacular examples of this final flowering of merchant sail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Drake Passage and Cape Horn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present scene is traditionally identified as representing Potosi navigating the waters associated with the \u003cstrong\u003eDrake Passage and Cape Horn\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Drake Passage lies between the southern extremity of South America and Antarctica and is renowned for powerful currents, rapidly changing weather and exceptionally large ocean swells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor sailing vessels engaged in the European-Chilean trade, the southern route around Cape Horn represented one of the most demanding passages in commercial navigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great breaking seas depicted by Job therefore form a historically evocative setting for a ship whose reputation was established partly through her ability to operate successfully upon these formidable routes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Hilgendorf and Potosi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early career of Potosi is closely associated with the celebrated sailing-ship captain \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Hilgendorf\u003c\/strong\u003e, who became her first master.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilgendorf was one of the outstanding captains associated with F. Laeisz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe operational success of Potosi and related vessels helped establish the formidable reputation enjoyed by the Flying P-Line during the final decades of commercial deep-water sail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Potosi to Flora\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the First World War, Potosi eventually passed into Chilean ownership and was renamed \u003cstrong\u003eFlora\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer extraordinary career ended in 1925 following a fire aboard the vessel in the Atlantic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter attempts to save the ship ultimately proved unsuccessful, she was sunk, bringing to an end approximately three decades in the life of one of the most celebrated large sailing vessels of her generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work bears the signature \u003cstrong\u003e“Job”\u003c\/strong\u003e at the lower right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen offered by Tayler \u0026amp; Fletcher in February 2025, the auction house catalogued the artist as \u003cstrong\u003e“M- Job (early 20th century)”\u003c\/strong\u003e and titled the painting \u003cem\u003eThe barque Potosi in full sail\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artist's complete identity has not presently been established with sufficient documentary certainty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is consequently catalogued as \u003cstrong\u003eM. Job, early 20th century\u003c\/strong\u003e, preserving the documented auction attribution rather than extending the identification beyond the available evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate Southern England estate \/ collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTayler \u0026amp; Fletcher, North Cotswold Saleroom, Bourton-on-the-Water, \u003cem\u003eFine Art, Vintage and Interiors\u003c\/em\u003e, 15 February 2025, \u003cstrong\u003eLot 384\u003c\/strong\u003e, catalogued as \u003cem\u003e“M- Job (early 20th century), The barque Potosi in full sail.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe auction documentation records the painting as oil on canvas, signed lower right and inscribed verso \u003cem\u003e“Potosi, Launched June 8th 1895.”\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\u003eCanvas:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: Approximately 59.7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: Approximately 90.2 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 79.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: 110 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: 4.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePresented in fine antique condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painted surface remains in good overall order, with various areas of age-related craquelure together with foxing and staining in places, commensurate with the work's age and history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decorative gilt frame displays general wear, scuffs, chips, losses and historic repairs, together with minor areas of paint touching-up around the corners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is fitted with hanging thread and the painting is ready for immediate wall display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer carefully to all accompanying photographs as they 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\u003eGiven the substantial scale of the work, the painting will be professionally and securely packed for transit, with particular care given to protecting the historic canvas and decorative gilt 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":55206235406714,"sku":"CAC-SK-0343","price":8000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/PotosiNavigatingDrakesPassage.jpg?v=1743430396","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/ga-ie\/products\/the-celebrated-flying-p-liner-postosi-driving-through-the-drake-passage-in-formidable-southern-seas","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}