Large Painting Of Dogs On The Hunt
By Archibald Forbes
From The SS EMPRESS OF BRITAIN (1956)

Items from SS TOPAZ(ex EMPRESS OF BRITAIN, QUEEN ANNA MARIA, CARNIVALE, FIESTA MARINA, OLYMPIC, THE TOPAZ)

Measurements: 57 Inches Wide by 34 Inches Tall
Painting on metal in large frame
Price: $1,750

Painting and shipyard notations on back. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2009.

Canadian Pacific Line's second EMPRESS OF BRITAIN is probably one of the most successful ocean liner/cruise ships of all time. She was a product of the Govan, Scotland-based Fairfield Shipyard and fitted out in typical post war British fashion in Odeon style with rich wood paneling, etched glass and heavy nickel fixtures.

Various details. Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2009.

Although this solidly built liner was renovated and even rebuilt several times, a number of her original fittings survived some 53 years until her beaching at Alang in 2008 as TOPAZ. I did not even know these paintings still existed until I visited the ship's captain's office during her next to last incarnation as Royal Olympic Cruises SS OLYMPIC in 1998.

Various nicks and dings Top: (center left -- light scratch 15" long) , Center: 1" scratch in upper right corner, Bottom 1" name etched in lower right corner). Photos and copyright Peter Knego 2009.

This was one of two works by Canadian artist Archibald Forbes depicting hunting scenarios. This particular painting is in overall good condition for its age and history but does have a few scratches and dings. Perhaps it was moved from its original position in the former first class Club Room to the captain's quarters during the coversion to QUEEN ANNA MARIA in 1964 but most likely someone decided it did not fit the Carnival Cruises "Fun Ship" image during the ship's pivotal career as CARNIVALE. Although her younger sister, the former EMPRESS OF CANADA started things off for Carnival as the MARDI GRAS, the CARNIVALE can be credited with firmly establishing the company and leading to its continued expansion into what has become the world's largest passenger shipping conglomerate.

Posted: August 21, 2009