Large Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Second Rate Ship in Bay Circa 1865

Large Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Second Rate Ship in Bay Circa 1865.

The large sailor's woolwork depicts a British Royal Navy Second Rate Ship anchored in a bay, her sails furled. She flies the White Ensign and a long white banner from her Main mast.  The rigging is particularly well done with layers of work. Two sailors can be seen on board in red uniforms.  A Union Jack flies from the Foremast shows an Admiral is on board.

In the foreground are three long boats also flying the White Ensign.  Surrounding the lower edge and the sides of the wool are unusual rock outcrops depicted in layers of color.  The sky has layers of cloud and blue sky and the red from a distant sun set.

Dimensions: Frame: 26 inches high x 33 1/2 inches wide x 3/4 inch deep.

Condition: Good.  The wool now with museum conservation glass.

The number of riggers on board was small compared with the full ships complement of sailors.  They were an elite group and often kept themselves away from the other sailors.  When we find woolies with this quality of rigging, we believe that they were created by a rigger.

Provenance: Burrichter/ Kierlin Collection, #243 (Paper Label on reverse);
With Quester Gallery, CT (paper label on reverse)
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge & Diana Bittel.

The British Royal Navy was the most powerful navy in the world during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was instrumental in the British Empire's rise to global dominance. Second Rate Ships were the second largest class of warship in the Royal Navy. They were armed with 90 to 98 guns and had a crew of about 750 men. Second Rate Ships were used to fight in the line of battle, and they were also used to transport troops and supplies.

(Ref: NYX00018XX-mcrr)

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Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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