Painting. PS Caroline 1823 / by Leon Haffner, nd [1950-1951]. Oil on canvas; 38x57cm in gilt frame, 52x71x5cm. Signed br. Portrait, ship, of the French pioneer transatlantic paddle steamer 'Caroline'. The steamer was built of wood at Rouen, to the plans of JB Marestier, and launched with the name 'Galibi' on 23 August 1823 for the merchant service. She was renamed 'Caroline' in 1824 on transfer to the French Navy. She sailed from Brest on 16 October 1824 arriving at Cayenne on 21 November. The first French Atlantic steam crossing. In 1828 she was renamed the 'Louise' and in 1829 she crossed again to Cayenne. In poor condition in 1832, she became a hulk in French Guiana until broken up in 1833.