Ancient Ship

Oil

$1,400

Artist's Statement

This painting is partly based on the story of "The Mahogany Ship", involving an ancient mystery wreck, now buried in sand, between Warrnambool and Port Fairy (Victoria). It was first recorded in 1836. Some historians believe it to be a Portuguese ship, of 1522.

Recent speculation followed a news article (3 Jan. 1997) about a 500-year-old Portuguese coin, discovered on a secluded Victorian beach.

The mysterious unearthing of ancient ships, and the shifting of sands over them, is a fascinating theme. "The Mahogany Ship" is, at present, a ship of speculation; its exact site is a matter of conjecture.

The power of sand is underestimated, although it may be considered "soft" or "weak", the opposite is true.