This rare, important painting by Fred Pansing is the original promotional art commissioned by White Star to publicize the eminent sister ships. This historic image became very well-known through numerous advertisements, postcards, and sailing posters to advertise sailings of TITANIC and OLYMPIC. It was also used as cover art for Thomas Bonsall’s book TITANIC.

Interestingly, we have discovered that though the painting originally had no name on the bow, the name OLYMPIC was added to the painting at a later date possibly to play down the adverse publicity generated by TITANIC’s tragic sinking. The name has since been painted over, though it is visible under UV light.

Another unique attribute of this painting is the depiction of the first class promenade deck in its original open configuration. This deck area was not closed in on TITANIC until shortly before she sailed on her final ill-fated voyage.