ARCHIVE MARINE OFFERS


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31               BIANCHI, ENRICO   1879         

A cyclone invests the brig "Suocero"

Washdrawing on canvas, cm 46x66 (inv. Costa n. 65)

Signed: E. Bianchi 1879

Known data:

   TYPE:                                             pole brig
   YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION:    1866
   PLACE OF CONSTRUCTION:   Varazze
   SHIPOWNER:                               Andrea Bozzo
   CAPTAIN:                                      Giuseppe Molfino

Caption:

      "Cyclone suffered by Italian ship Suocero, Capt.n Molfino Giuseppe, on the 18th and 19th 8ber 1878 being on Lat.de 36° 36' N., Long.de 56° 56' W. - the grateful crew to the Holy Virgin".

Notes:

The Maritime Museum of Camogli preserve the "portrait" of the brig "Suocero", 1873 masterpiece by Domenico Gavarrone (Sailships of Camogli, Genoa 1984, p. 51). 

Like already observed for the work of Giuseppe Coli (table 22, inv. Costa n. 34), the paintings on canvas in the majority are by less "ship specialized" authors in the reproduction of boats, but they give more expressive atmosphere, more marine than the ship painters. 

An indication of the diversity of interest is seen also towards the image of the Madonna, not simply a symbolic point just showing the supernatural participation but, like in this painting, true living presence.