CHINESE SCHOOL, LATE 19TH CENTURY
Portrait of P&O liner R.M.S. 'Egypt' [1897]
Oil on linen
17 x 22¼in. (43 x 56cm.)

One of five sisters built by P&O for the Indian and Australian service (the others being India, China, Arabia and Persia) they were the largest additions yet made when completed in 1897. Surviving the Great War (unlike Persia, India and Arabia who were all torpedoed) she was unfortunate in colliding in fog with the French ship Seine off Ushant. She sank on 20th May, 1922, in 20 minutes with the loss of eighty-six souls and bullion then valued at £1,054,000 (about £28.5 million today). By 1935 most of this had been salvaged by the Italian salvage vessel Artiglio.

Condition Report
Relined, with old retouching to tears showing. Could benefit from a clean.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.