Oil Painting Barque General Wolsely Sinking Enroute to St John Shore Rescue

Wreck of the General Wolsely" – Dramatic 19th-Century Marine Oil Painting
Barque Cargo Ship En Route to St. John – Floundering at Gull Rock, Brier Island – Rescuers Struggle From Shore

Plunge into the tempestuous heart of the sea with this riveting traditional oil painting, a masterfully rendered depiction of the barque cargo ship General Wolsely caught in a brutal storm, floundering just off the infamous Gull Rock ledge near Brier Island. As waves crash and rigging snaps, a desperate rescue effort unfolds from the shoreline—an eternal testament to the peril and heroism that defined the age of sail.

🌊 A Scene of Power, Tragedy & Humanity

This painting captures more than just a shipwreck—it tells a story. Under a dark, swirling sky and amidst thunderous surf, the tall masts of the General Wolsely tilt perilously as the sea tears at her hull. On the rocky foreground, figures scramble with ropes in hand, braving the gale to save those aboard. The artist’s skilled brushwork and haunting atmosphere pull the viewer directly into the moment—a portrait of nature’s fury and mankind’s courage.

🖌️ Artistic Quality

• Rendered in oil on board with expressive brushstrokes and attention to natural drama

• Muted greys, stormy blacks, and stark whites evoke the raw emotion of the maritime disaster

• Likely late 19th to early 20th century, in a period giltwood frame that enhances its dramatic presentation

⚓ Historical Inspiration

The General Wolsely was a real barque involved in maritime trade, and this painting appears to commemorate one of its most treacherous voyages— aN historical shipwreck while en route to St. John, New Brunswick, with Gull Rock notorious for claiming many vessels over the years. The inclusion of the rescue scene adds historical and emotional depth, resonating with maritime collectors and historians alike.

📏 Dimensions

• Frame Size: High (27 cm) Wide (37 cm) Depth (3 cm)

• Condition report offered in fine used condition. Painting surface is overall good condition, having some craquelure & foxing stains, commensurate with usage & age. Frame which has general wear, scuffs & some minor chips, losses. 

🧭 A Perfect Piece For:

• Maritime and naval art collectors

• Nautical-themed interiors or coastal homes

• Museums or historical exhibits

• Lovers of dramatic storytelling in traditional art

Provenance

Private marine collection, Arquati Brev Frame & Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD