A Ship's Portrait 1903

Antonio Jacobsen, a maritime artist, painted this ship's portrait in the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when ship portraits were popular as both commercial and commemorative items. The visual codes of maritime art offer us a glimpse into the economic, social, and cultural history of this time. The level of detail suggests a patron, such as the ship's captain or owner, who commissioned the work, to celebrate the ship's completion, a successful voyage, or perhaps for insurance purposes. The Argentinian flag suggests a link with Argentina, then a rising economic power. The art market, as an institution, played a crucial role in shaping Jacobsen’s career. He was prolific, and images of ships were in demand at a time when sea trade was booming. By consulting historical shipping records, we can learn more about this vessel, its journeys, and its place in the global economy. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context, which is something for art historians to keep in mind.