Home > Animals > Fishes > S > Sea Devil
Sovereign of the Seas (1637), after an original by Willem Van de Velde, the Elder, 1802 (coloured etching)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Sovereign of the Seas (1637), after an original by Willem Van de Velde, the Elder, 1802 (coloured etching)
7341846 Sovereign of the Seas (1637), after an original by Willem Van de Velde, the Elder, 1802 (coloured etching) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); 29x40.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: unknown
Known by the Dutch as the golden devil, on account of her all black and gold appearance, Sovereign of the Seas was the most magnificent ship of her era. Designed in 1634 by Phineas Pett she was the first ship to have three full gun decks, carrying 102 guns on the orders of King Charles I instead of the 90 originally planned. No expense was spared in her construction. All her guns were made from bronze instead of cast iron which meant they were much lighter but four times more expensive. Most impressive was her gilded and carved decoration costing over £6, 600, equivalent to the cost of the hull for a two decked ship. Sovereign of the Seas was so large that two smaller ships were built from her waste timbers. The construction of Sovereign of the Seas was part of Charles I's plan to overawe possible enemies, including the Dutch and Spanish, with England's naval power. Entering service in 1638 she did not go into battle before the English Civil War intervened in 1642. Laid up by Parliament during the Civil War, her first engagement was the Battle of Kentish Knock during the First Dutch War on 28 September 1652 when it is alleged she destroyed a Dutch ship with a single broadside. Renamed the Royal Sovereign when Charles II came to the throne in 1660 she fought in several battles during the Second and Third Dutch Wars 1666-1673. The Nine Years War against France broke out in 1689 and Royal Sovereign was present at the Battles of Beachy Head in 1690 and Barfleur in 1692 when the Royal Navy fought alongside the Dutch. Her career came to an abrupt end when she accidentally caught fire at Chatham on 27 January 1696. (Text courtesy of www.royalnavy.mod.uk)); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38516206
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Amred Forces Battleship Combatant Ship Etching Sail Boat Sail Boats Sailboats Sailing Ship War Ship Warship Warships Marines Maritime Force Naval Force Naval Infantry
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> S
> Sea Devil
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cricetidae
> Golden Mouse
> Arts
> Artists
> C
> King Charles
> Arts
> Artists
> G
> Charles Gold
> Arts
> Artists
> V
> Willem van de Velde
> Europe
> France
> Sport
> Sailing
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Herefordshire
> Ledbury
> Charles II
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Greenwich
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Unknown Artist
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Willem van de the Younger Velde
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning coloured etching of the 'Sovereign of the Seas' captures the grandeur and power of this magnificent ship, known as the 'golden devil'. Commissioned by King Charles I in 1634, she was a symbol of England's naval might during a time of political tension. With three full gun decks carrying over 100 bronze guns, she was a force to be reckoned with on the high seas.
The intricate gilded and carved decoration on her hull cost a small fortune, showcasing the wealth and extravagance of her construction. Despite being laid up during the English Civil War, she went on to see action in several battles during both Dutch Wars and the Nine Years War against France.
Unfortunately, her illustrious career came to an end when she accidentally caught fire at Chatham in 1696. However, her legacy lives on through prints like this one, which serve as a reminder of her importance in shaping England's maritime history.
This print is not just a piece of art but also a window into a bygone era where ships like the 'Sovereign of the Seas' ruled the waves with their sheer size and firepower. It is a testament to human ingenuity and ambition that continues to inspire awe centuries later.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
