Attributed to Antonio de Simone (Italian, fl.1860-1900)

The splendid steel screw schooner Catania was designed by G.L. Watson and built in Glasgow by D. & W. Henderson for the 4th Duke of Sutherland in 1895. Registered at 589 tons gross (213 net and 668 Thames), she measured 203 feet in length with a 27 foot beam and was fitted out with no expense spared thanks to the wealth of her owner. Still in the Duke's possession when War was declared in August 1914, Catania was hired the next month by the Admiralty, armed with 2-6pounder guns and employed on wartime duties until released in February 1919 at which time she was sold to new owners.