Ship Portraits in Art History:-
Perhaps the most significant aspect of marine art is that it was client-driven. Ship portraits in particular were not done for art’s sake or for collectors of fine art, but rather for buyers with a personal interest in the subject. Today i value both signed and unsigned examples for their unique history and their attractiveness. For people interested in maritime history and it portraits , these works are sources of information about the past, as well as works of art.
Marine Art: Introduction:-
Most marine paintings show vessels underway or working. To appreciate a marine painting, think about its elements. Ask yourself, “What ship is it and where is it? What is it doing? What is its means of propulsion, its rigging, its number of masts, and type and number of sails? Which sails are reefed or furled? What is the state of the sea, wind, and sky? What coastal landmarks may be identified as geographic markers?”
Marine paintings fall into four basic categories: seascapes, harbor and inshore scenes, naval scenes, and ship portraits.
Most Famous Ship Paintings:-
One of the most iconic painting niches in the world is that of ship paintings. For centuries, the world’s seas were dominated by various nations who sent trading vessels and warships out into the blue horizon. Over many years, these ships became the lifeblood of the economies of certain countries like Portugal and Great Britain, their crews bringing and delivering precious cargo of all kinds.
Ships of all shapes and sizes have sailed the seas for more than a thousand years. The juxtaposition of a sophisticated man-made ship with the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the ocean and Mother Nature itself is part of what draws the admiration of so many art lovers and enthusiasts, especially along coastal regions.
Many artists throughout history have dabbled in producing works that featured ships and their legendary voyages on the high seas with some focusing solely on the subject of maritime travel. Here are some of the most famous ship paintings ever created.
The Fighting Temeraire Tugged to her last Berth to be Broken Up:-
One of J.M.W. Turner’s most famous paintings involves a well-known warship that was the star of at least one iconic battle for the British Royal Navy in the 18th century. His work is titled The Fighting Temeraire Tugged to her last Berth to be Broken Up, a lackluster, but fitting description of the fate of this once feared vessel that was pivotal to the nation’s fleet of warships.The painting was done in 1839 and depicts the final moments of the Temeraire as it is slowly tugged out to sea to be dashed and parted out. The painting is from the Romanticism era and is an interesting contrast between the changing technologies that were happening in maritime shipbuilding and travel during the early 1800’s. The majestic and once-famous warship, who played a major role at the Battle of Trafalgar, is now being dragged away from port by a lowly, steam-powered tugboat.It is a sad reminder that a certain sense of elegance and grandeur is often lost in what many deem to be a progressive advance of technology.
A First Rate Man-of-War Driven Onto a Reef of Rocks, Floundering in a Gale:-
The early 1800’s is likely the height of the era of famous ship paintings. One of the most well-known maritime painters was George Philip Reinagle, who was well-known for his ability to capture the essence of the sea’s sometimes tumultuous character that had destroyed so many powerful, strong vessels throughout history.His 1836 work titled A First Rate Man-of-War Driven Onto a Reef of Rocks, Floundering in a Gale is aptly-named as it features just that—a ship that has been caught in the clutches of the raging sea. One of the most intriguing aspects of maritime travel was the possibility that sailors could meet a terrifying demise if they were caught in a blustering storm, otherwise known as a gale.
This painting is iconic for Reinagle’s ability to depict the giant, crushing force of the waves along with the sea spray that has been kicked up by the high winds. This work is a grim reminder that not all seafaring travel and adventure ends safely.
Many ocean paintings containing ships will invariably make the ship the main focus, but in Reinagle’s piece it is the power of the ocean waves that dominate.
Battle of Trafalgar 1805:-
Some of the most famous ship paintings involve intense, deadly battles at sea between powerful naval fleets. Such is the case with Louis Phillipe Crepin’s 1805 work titled Battle of Trafalgar.
This painting depicts one of the most famous naval battles in history that took place in the year noted. The Battle of Trafalgar featured the mighty British Royal Navy as they were pitted against two other worthy opponents—the Spanish and French naval forces—who had joined forces to try and topple the powerful force that had dominated the waters surrounding Europe and much of the world during this time. Crepin’s painting portrays, with great accuracy, the close-quarters combat that so often occurred in naval battles.
Becalmed off Halfway Rock:-
So many of the most famous ship paintings ever created feature vessels that are either engaged in raging battles, or caught in powerful gales on the open ocean. However, there are a few notable works that depict the calm, serene nature of the ocean or coastal areas. Fitz Hugh Lane’s Becalmed off Halfway Rock is one such work that depicts a scene of beauty that few people outside the world of ships and sailing ever get to experience. This 1860 work depicts ships anchored down next to Halfway Rock, a famous sea marker that is situated approximately halfway between Boston and Cape Ann.
This marker was a popular stop for trading vessels and supply ships as they could join up with other ships and carry out various types of maritime business at a specific location.
Dutch Men-O’-War and Other Shipping in a Calm:-
Willem van de Velde II was a painter who specialized in maritime art during his career in the late 17th century. This was a time when sailing ships were the height of mankind’s technological achievements and the naval fleets of various nations were the most vital part of any military force.
Velde’s work titled Dutch Men-O’-War and Other Shipping in a Calm was created in 1665 and features the Dutch navy’s vast fleet of ships that include the deadly and feared Men-O’-War vessels. These ships were known as floating fortresses who possessed the ability to mercilessly pummel opposing ships or coastal forts and cities with impressive precision.
A lot to write but , Here i am not going in detail but trying to keep the interest of the audiences, alive...the Old ships and their Voyage have some poetic touch but here i want to mention some fascinating quotes for you...
“Your mind is a ship; it can sail across the universe as long as you don't allow negative thoughts to sink it.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo
“You don’t command wind in the direction it blows, but you command a ship in the direction it sails.”― Matshona Dhliwayo
“When the sails are strong a ship has no reason to fear turbulence.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo
“Every ship needs a port because unlike ships waves never get tired!”― Mehmet Murat ildan
Dear Superwoman, you should learn to recognize a sinking ship, and get off before it sinks with you.”― Gift Gugu Mona, Woman of Virtue: Power-Filled Quotes for a Powerful Woman.
I hope you have really enjoyed the quotes above , now to keep the fascination alive, you may collaborate them with images as per your choice.
The Old Ships and their Voyage:-
Images with Quotes : Large Sizes (Off White Color Tee Shirts)
