Description
“Nourmahal” (1901) ship print poster
A 1901 lithographic print depicting the steamship Nourmahal, presented under sail in open water, combining maritime documentation with a composed, illustrative style.
Overview
This “Nourmahal” (1901) ship print poster records a late 19th-century vessel at a moment when sail and steam coexisted. Issued by the Truth Co., the image functions as both a visual record and a stylized representation, emphasizing the ship’s profile and rigging within a controlled seascape. The composition reflects a period when maritime imagery balanced technical accuracy with a measured, pictorial approach.
Visual Composition
The vessel is shown in full profile, angled slightly across the picture plane as it moves through a low swell. Its sails are partially set, catching a steady wind, while the hull and superstructure are rendered with fine linear detail. A single smokestack signals its hybrid propulsion, subtly contrasting with the more prominent masts and rigging. The sea is treated in soft, rolling bands of green and blue, with restrained highlights marking wave crests. Above, a pale sky with light cloud cover provides an even backdrop, allowing the ship’s silhouette to remain clearly legible. The image is contained within a wide margin, reinforcing its identity as a printed plate.
Context & Provenance
Published in 1901, this print belongs to a tradition of maritime illustration that documented notable vessels for both informational and decorative purposes. The Nourmahal, built circa 1858 and measuring 884 tons, represents a class of ships operating during a transitional era in naval engineering. Prints such as this were often produced for collectors and enthusiasts interested in shipping, trade routes, and naval design.
Condition
Archivally linen-backed and presented in very good condition. The printed surface appears stable, with balanced tonality and no evident distractions.
Specifications
Original lithographic print
Publisher: Truth Co.
Date: 1901
Subject: Steamship Nourmahal (built circa 1858, 884 tons)
Format: Horizontal with wide margins
Backing: Linen-backed
Authenticity
Original period lithograph, not a reproduction.
Framing
A traditional frame with a mat is well suited to the print’s margins, preserving its plate-like presentation while providing visual separation from the frame.
Purchase & Shipping
Ships flat, carefully protected, and ready for framing.
Collector Notes
The image captures a transitional maritime vocabulary: sail remains visually dominant, while the smokestack signals the increasing reliance on steam. This duality gives the print a quiet tension, where older and emerging technologies coexist within a single, balanced profile. Its restrained palette and precise linework distinguish it from more dramatic marine paintings, favoring clarity over spectacle.
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