Lot 222: Attributed to Lai Fong (Chinese, active 1870-1910) The merchantman Alexandra outward bound for Calcutta under full sail and passing the South Sand lightship off the mouth of the Thames

The merchantman Alexandra outward bound for Calcutta under full sail and passing the South Sand lightship off the mouth of the Thames
inscribed 'Alexandra 2461 Tons Reg.r J.Pierce ComR.' (lower centre),
oil on canvas
75 x 122.6cm (29 1/2 x 48 1/4in).

The iron full-rigger Alexandra was built by Oswald, Mordaunt & Co. at Southampton in 1884. Registered at 2,521 tons gross (2,461 net), she measured a massive 305 feet in length with a 41 foot beam and, at the time of her entry into service, was the largest sailing vessel operating out of the Thames.