Majestic Victorian Maritime Oil Painting Potosi Navigating Drake's Passage Masterpiece

Monumental Victorian Oil Painting – Potosi Navigating Drake’s Passage

Magnificent 5-Masted Steel-Hull Tall Ship | Antique Nautical Art | Museum-Exhibited | Gilt Frame

Step into the heart of maritime history with this commanding large-scale Victorian oil painting, portraying the legendary five-masted steel-hulled ship Potosi as she battles the wild waters of the infamous Drake Passage. A powerful and evocative work, this museum-exhibited piece captures the golden age of windjammers in dramatic detail.

Potosi was a five-masted steel hull barque bulk, nitrate carrier built in 1895 by Joh. C. Tecklenborg ship yard in Geestemünde, Germany, for the sailing ship company F. Laeisz as a trading vessel. The naval architect was Dr Georg Wilhelm Claussen. Built at yard number 133. Tonnage 4,027 GRT, displacement 8350 ts, length 436ft (133 m), beam 49.7 ft (15.1m) height 210.96 ft (64.30m) & draft 25.49 ft (7.77m/). 2 continuous decks, poop, midship & forecastle decks. Its primary purpose was as a "nitrate clipper" collecting guano in South America for use in chemical companies in Germany (mainly for making explosives and fertiliser). As its shipping route was between Germany, Bolivia until 1870 but, during the "pacific War" was transferred to Chile, it was designed to be capable of withstanding the rough weather encountered around Cape Horn. 

Artwork Highlights:

• Title: Potosi Navigating Drake’s Passage

• Medium: Oil on canvas

• Era: Late 19th century, Victorian period

• Subject: The German five-masted barque Potosi — one of the most iconic and formidable tall ships ever built

• Scene: Braving the perilous seas near Cape Horn, under a stormy, atmospheric sky

• Frame: Original, ornate gilt frame.

• Condition: Offered in fine used condition. Painting surface is overall good condition, canvas having various craquelure & foxing stains commensurate with usage & age. Frame which has various general wear, scuffs, chips, losses & repairs with some minor paint touch ups to the corners. 

• Dimensions in centimetres of the frame
  High (79.5 cm) Wide (110 cm) Depth (4.5 cm)

Provenance & Exhibition:

• Private Southern Shire Estate Collection – a distinguished and carefully curated estate

• Labels Verso – marked from a Southern Shire High-End Auction

• Formerly handled by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

• Museum-Exhibited – underscores historical and artistic significance

This documented provenance and museum exhibition history significantly elevate the artwork’s value and collectability, affirming its authenticity and importance.

Why Collect This Piece?

• Rare Historical Subject: The Potosi was among the last great sailing ships, constructed in 1895 for the nitrate trade around Cape Horn.

• Artistic Impact: The energy of the sea, the intricacy of rigging, and the moody sky converge in a scene that is both cinematic and deeply human.

• Collector's Appeal: A must-have for maritime enthusiasts, historians, and lovers of Victorian-era craftsmanship.

• Decor Statement: Perfect for libraries, coastal homes, heritage interiors, or professional settings.

Own a piece of maritime legend.
This is more than a painting—it’s a gateway to the past, a symbol of endurance, and a statement of refined taste.