Victorian Oil Painting Whaler Steam Ship Of Dundee Floundering The Rescue

A Rare Maritime Masterpiece: Dramatic Victorian Seascape Marine Oil Painting – Attributed to William Broome

For collectors of fine marine art and connoisseurs of Victorian drama on canvas, we proudly present an extraordinary and emotive oil painting attributed to the celebrated 19th-century maritime artist William Broome. This large-scale seascape captures a powerful moment in nautical history, showcasing a floundering steamship—The Sealer & Whaler of Dundee— as it battles the elements and nears its final moments, only to be heroically aided by the brave men of the RNLI lifeboat.

The Scene: A Stormy Fight for Survival
Rendered with exceptional detail and a strong sense of atmosphere, the painting vividly portrays a storm-lashed sea under a moody Victorian sky. Towering waves crash against the hull of the distressed steamship, its smokestack leaning ominously, suggesting the vessel is moments from sinking beneath the unforgiving waters. In stark contrast, cutting through the chaos, the RNLI lifeboat—depicted with admirable realism and valor—is shown racing toward the wreckage, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity amidst the tempest.

Artistic Attribution: William Broome
Attributed to William Broome (active mid-to-late 19th century), a noted marine artist known for his dramatic portrayals of seafaring life, this work is a fine example of his ability to capture not only the technical detail of ships but the emotional intensity of maritime events. His brushwork, palette, and eye for turbulent composition lend a visceral, cinematic quality to the painting that’s both haunting and heroic.

Features & Details:
Medium: Oil on canvas
Style: Victorian maritime realism
Size: Large format, ideal as a dramatic focal point in a gallery wall or private collection
Subject: The Sealer & Whaler of Dundee in distress; RNLI rescue in action
Condition: Well-preserved with signs of age appropriate to its era, enhancing its authenticity and antique charm
Provenance: Labels verso Fraser & Son Fine Art Commercial Street of Dundee, Private Scottish Dundee marine collection, Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & exhibited at a shire based museum. artist Attributed based on stylistic elements and comparative works by Broome.
Why Collect This Piece?
This painting is more than just a maritime artwork—it is a story of bravery, industry, and the perils of life at sea. Perfect for:

Collectors of Victorian and marine art
Nautical history enthusiasts
Interior designers seeking a statement piece with historical weight
Museums or institutions focusing on 19th-century maritime heritage
With its dynamic composition, historical subject matter, and emotional depth, this painting offers a rare opportunity to own a dramatic visual narrative from Britain’s seafaring legacy.

Dimensions in centimetres of the frame

High (68.5 cm)
Wide (99 cm)
Depth (3 cm)

Condition report.
Offered in fine used condition.
Painting surface is overall good condition, canvas is original unlined, having various craquelure & some foxing stains, some paint touchs in areas wiht some small patch repairs to the canvas verso, horizontal stretcher frame lines showing through, commensurate with usage & old age. Set in a later frame which has general wear, scuffs & some minor chips, losses.