Majestic

This coloured lithograph depicts the steam passenger liner ‘Majestic’ at sea, sailing in a rough ocean. This vessel was in service with the White Star Line, and launched in 1889. Though a steam ship, she was also fitted with sails before her refit in 1902, which are shown here as fully unfurled. The vessel is captured from its starboard side. Her starboard row of lifeboats can be seen fitted to their davits.

She flies the Red Ensign of the British Mercantile Marine at her stern, but the American Stars and Stripes can also be seen flying from her foremast. In addition, the red and white pennant of the White Star Line can be seen flying from her first rear mast. At the top of her rearmost mast, a blue pennant can be seen flying.

The sea is shown as being choppy, with moderately rough waves. The sky is clear, which together with the unfurled sails indicates that the vessel is sailing in high winds, rather than a storm. The ‘Majestic’ also appears to be sailing at a healthy steam, judging from the twin plumes of charcoal-coloured smoke from her two funnels.