Existing comment:
USAHS Relief, 1899
Attributed to Antonio Jacobsen, 1850-1921 (Reproduction)
The United States Hospital Ship Relief served the US Army and Navy through four wars: The Spanish-American War (1898-99), the Philippine Insurrection (1899), the Boxer Rebellion (China, 1900) and World War I. Launched in 1896 as a coastal passenger steamer, the ship was purchased by the Army a refit as a hospital ship when war broke out with Spain in 1898. The Relief was one of the most modern hospital ships of its time, with all-electric lighting and ventilation, two X-ray machines, a fully-equipped operating room, and berths for 300 sick or wounded patients. Another 200 berths could be accommodated on the upper deck under awnings if necessary.
This painting represents the ship in the paint scheme worn during the Philippine Insurrection in 1899. The original painting was displayed in the office of Col. Carl R. Darnall, commanding officer of the Army Medical Center in Washington, DC from 1929-1931. Darnall served as chief operating surgeon and pathologist on the Relief in the Philippines in 1899. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas is named in his honor. |