Description: Gouache on paper painting of the SS St. Sunniva. One of the very first purpose built cruise ships. This portrait of the SS St. Sunniva, depicts the English ship in the Harbor of Naples, where Mt. Vesuvius can be seen in the back ground. The ship was designed to resemble a classic steam yacht in form; small launch boats can be seen secured to the deck for landing passengers when necessary.

History: SS St. Sunniva was one of the first purpose-built cruise ships. The St. Sunniva was a great commercial success as a cruise ship. However, in 1907-1908, the North Company reduced the number of the ship's cruises per season, and then entirely withdrew her from the market at the end of August 1908. It was subsequently decided to convert the ship into a ferry and to that end the lower deck accommodation was removed and cargo holds created. The main deck accommodation was also completely remodeled and the superstructure was extended. Following this remodeling, the St. Sunniva entered service as a mail steamer on the Lerwick route, operating a weekly service from Leith and Aberdeen. She remained on this demanding service until April10th, 1930 when, while sailing north in fog, she ran aground on the uninhabited island of Mousa, off Shetland Islands. All passengers and crew were rescued but the ship was a complete loss. Converted into a ferry in 1908, she operated as the Lerwick mail steamer until 10 April 1930, when she ran aground off Shetland and was a complete loss.

Provenance:

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 7.2 | Height(in) = 21 | Width(in) = 26.25 | Depth(in) = 0.75

Size of Artwork(in): 17" x 22" sight.

Artist Name: DeSimone

Medium: Gouache on paper

Circa: Dated 1923

Signed and dated "Desimone, 23" to the obverse right side. No damage or restoration found upon observation and inspection.