Lot 725: Luigi Roberto (Italian, 1845-1910)

Luigi Roberto (Italian, 1845-1910)
The general cargo steamer Brator calling for a pilot off Genoa; and Brator riding out the storm
the first signed 'L Roberto' (lower left)
bodycolour
15¾ x 24 in. (40 x 61 cm.)
a pair (2)

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The single-screw general cargo steamer Brator was built by W. Hamilton & Co. at Port Glasgow in 1896. Originally to be named Ardath, her unexpected sale to John Holman & Sons of London the same year resulted in her being renamed Brator in order to fit into their fleet in which all vessels' names bore the suffix 'tor', perhaps reflecting the company's origins in Devon. Registered at 2,900 tons gross (1,829 net) and measuring 310 feet in length with a 43 foot beam, she was designed with two cargo decks and constructed of steel throughout. After eight years of reliable service, Brator was wrecked near Laurvik (Norway) in January 1904 whilst en route from Sulina (Roumania) to Moss (Norway) with a cargo of grain.