British and American clipper ships, fast-moving transport vessels, dominated the high seas during the middle decades of the nineteenth century. The Three-masted, square-rigged clipper ship gained its name for 'clipping' along at record speeds, made possible with a sleek hull that sliced through the water, to which the chevron shape in the prints allude. All of the ships named in the V series were built in Great Britain: the Empress of India was a passenger-and mail-carrying ocean liner- steam and sail driven- that was clipper-bowed in her design for increased speed.

Lithograph in colours, 1968, on Lowell paper, signed and dated in pencil, numbered 'A.P.', one of 15 artist's proofs, aside from the standard edition of 100, published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, 41.3 x 89 cm. (16¼ x 35 in.)


Axsom 28