Product Details

John Scott Russell of Scotland (1808-1882) was one of the great marine engineers of the 19th century. In 1858 he launched the Great Eastern, (depicted here in this painting) then the world’s largest ship, which would make history by laying the first transatlantic telegraph cable.

He was one of the most distinguished naval architects of the 19th century. He made a study of the nature of waves for which he received widespread acclaim and recognition. He designed and built the wave – the first vessel constructed on the wave system – prior to establishing his own yard on the Thames which produces many steamships, most notably Brunel’s ill-fated monster, The Great Eastern, as well as the worlds first successful ironclad warship H.M.S. Warrior. One time secretary of the society of arts, Russell was also one of the royal commissioners for the 1851 Great Exhibition, One of the Founders of The Institute Of Naval Architects and a prolific author of technical works of Shipbuilding.

In short, John Scott Russell was a Scottish civil engineer, naval architect and shipbuilder who built Great Eastern in collaboration with Isambard Kingdom Brunel. He made the discovery of the wave of translation that gave birth to the modern study of solitons, and developed the wave-line system of ship construction.

Provenance: Caelt Gallery, London
Christie’s, Maritime and Naval Battles, London, October 31, 2001
(Sale 9240, Lot 491)
Private Collection, Charleston, South Carolina

Canvas: 42″ high x 52″ wide
Frame: 48″ high x 58″ wide

Very good condition, no damages noted. Ready to hang. A truly magnificent painting.