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Portrait of the 'Charles Galley', c.1676 (graphite, grey wash)
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Portrait of the 'Charles Galley', c.1676 (graphite, grey wash)
7342301 Portrait of the 'Charles Galley', c.1676 (graphite, grey wash) by Velde, Willem van de, the Elder (1611-93); 34.9x74.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Elder
This ship portrait is viewed from the port quarter. The ship has twenty small, rectangular sweep-ports illustrated low on the gundeck. On the ship's tafferel are two robust cherubs, collectively supporting a crowned coat of arms. The same ship is shown in a drawing of the 'Charles Galley' of 1688 by Jeremy Roch, this time with three guns on the quarterdeck and twenty-one sweeps.
It is possibly based on an offset which has been cleanly worked up along the side. Some of the drawing's decoration has also been strengthened with pen: this is notably visible on the side of the ship. The rather untidy work on the tafferel appears untouched. The inscription on the drawing may be by the hand of Willem van de Velde the Younger, but the inaccuracy of the drawing, the exaggerated length for the amount of stern seen, the oversized breadth of the forecastle (the forwards part of the ship) and the muddled appearance of the vessel's stern decoration cannot be reconciled with van de Velde's later work.
The work has been approximately dated by its subject matter.
The Charles Galley's rebuild of 1710 is listed by J. J. Colledge in Ships of the Royal Navy; but omitted by R. C. Anderson in Lists of Men-of-War and by M. S. Robinson in Van de Velde drawings in the National Maritime Museum Vol I. The Charles Galley was built to replace a foreign built galley called Margaret which for two years had been attached to the English fleet stationed at Tangier. Particulars of galley-frigates which were being built at Toulon were obtained from a resident there; and it was decided that such a vessel "would answer all purposes of a galley and yet be capable of doing all the services of a frigate in all seas and weather, besides being maintained at much less charge;...". Two galley-frigates were built, the Charles and also the James (built at Deptford). Each cost just over four and a half thousand pounds, with an extra £35 later added for gilding the decoration (Mariners Mirror Vol XIV p.198-9). The Charles proved very seaworthy. Her task was to cruise in the Mediterranean, convoying merchant ships against the many pirates and also to act as a supply ship (ibid p.203).
The draughts for both the Charles galley and the James galley were prepared by Anthony Deane's son from the information supplied by the "residents" in Toulon. Both vessels were fitted with iron firehearths, then newly invented. The James galley had quarter-badges and not quarter-galleries; and, from the evidence of Van de Velde drawings, the James does not appear to have had her gunport lids decorated with painted lion heads. (Mariners Mirror Vol XI p.185).); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38515678
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning portrait of the 'Charles Galley' by Willem van de Velde, the Elder captures the majestic beauty and intricate details of this historic ship. The graphite and grey wash technique used in this artwork brings out the fine lines and shading, creating a sense of depth and realism.
The ship is depicted from the port quarter, showcasing its impressive size and design. The twenty small sweep-ports on the gundeck are meticulously illustrated, adding to the authenticity of the piece. The cherubs on the tafferel holding a crowned coat of arms add a touch of elegance to the composition.
Although some elements of this drawing may have been touched up with pen over time, it still retains its original charm and historical significance. The inaccuracies in certain details only serve to highlight the artistic interpretation of van de Velde's work.
The history behind the 'Charles Galley' adds another layer of interest to this artwork, as it was built for specific purposes such as convoying merchant ships and combating pirates in Mediterranean waters. The meticulous planning and construction process described in detail further enhance our appreciation for this remarkable vessel.
Overall, this portrait is not just a visual representation but also a window into maritime history, showcasing both artistic skill and technical expertise in capturing an important piece of naval heritage.
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