Souvenir Glass Painting
Description
This is a pre-sinking reverse glass painting that was intended to be sold onboard Titanic in her barbershop as a voyage souvenir. It was purchased by a Southampton woman in 1912 prior to Titanic's departure, and later brought to Texas in the 1970's upon her emigration to the United States. Originally it would have been accompanied by a wooden backing board covered in red felt, but this piece has gone missing.
Post-sinking memorial reverse glass paintings were mass-produced and can still be found relatively easily and inexpensively. Pre-sinking souvenir paintings however are extremely rare, with most of the existing stock going down with the ship.
Whether or not this painting ever made it onboard Titanic or not is unknown. Identical 'Olympic' variants were known to be available for sale onboard in her barbershop during Olympic's maiden voyage.
Post-sinking memorial reverse glass paintings were mass-produced and can still be found relatively easily and inexpensively. Pre-sinking souvenir paintings however are extremely rare, with most of the existing stock going down with the ship.
Whether or not this painting ever made it onboard Titanic or not is unknown. Identical 'Olympic' variants were known to be available for sale onboard in her barbershop during Olympic's maiden voyage.
Medium
Glass, paint, mother of pearl
Citation
“Souvenir Glass Painting,” TitanicRelics.com | A Collection of Authentic Titanic Artifacts and Memorabilia, accessed May 14, 2024, http://www.titanicrelics.com/items/show/50.