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Sail exercise in Malta harbour, 1852 (pen, ink, wash, watercolour)
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Sail exercise in Malta harbour, 1852 (pen, ink, wash, watercolour)
7342258 Sail exercise in Malta harbour, 1852 (pen, ink, wash, watercolour) by Mends, George Pechell (1815-71); 25.5x37.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Captain George Pechell Mends
Inscribed top left, Exercising in / Malta Harbour / Making all plain sail / Oh! What a row - what confusion!!!'. The location appears to be in Dockyard Creek, looking up to the church in Senglea above Fort St Michael (though possibly the other way towards St Angelo), with the bells of the campanile adding the row to onboard confusion'. The ships are not named but the sketch, in pencil with the start of some watercolour, clearly shows the Trafalgar in the centre (of which Mends was first lieutenant) flanked by two other unidentified two-deckers of the Mediterranean fleet. The rigging of all three is crowded with men as they exercise making all plain sail in calm conditions. Mends's caption suggests a proper sense of exasperation for a first lieutenant with high standards that are apparently not yet being met. Though undated, the drawing's position in the book suggests it is mid-1853, probably before the sailing trials shown in PAI0870 and PAI0871.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38516452
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Amred Forces Island Of Malta Malta Maltese Mediterranean Sea Mediterrean Sea Sail Boat Sail Boats Sailboats Sailing Ship Watercolors Watercolour Paint Marines Maritime Force Naval Force Naval Infantry
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment of sail exercise in Malta harbour in 1852, depicted with intricate detail by Captain George Pechell Mends. The scene shows the ships crowded with men as they make "all plain sail" in calm conditions, with the 'Trafalgar' at the center flanked by two other unidentified two-deckers of the Mediterranean fleet.
The location is believed to be Dockyard Creek, looking up towards the church in Senglea above Fort St Michael, adding a sense of historical context to the artwork. Mends's inscription on the top left corner humorously conveys his exasperation as a first lieutenant overseeing the exercise, highlighting his high standards and attention to detail.
The sketch beautifully combines pen, ink, wash, and watercolor techniques to bring this maritime scene to life. The subtle use of color adds depth and dimension to the composition, capturing both the serenity of sailing and the controlled chaos onboard during training exercises.
Overall, this artwork not only showcases Mends's artistic skill but also provides a glimpse into naval life during that period. It serves as a reminder of Malta's rich maritime history and its importance as a strategic harbor for naval operations.
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