Sailor's "Flag of Nations" Woolwork, H.M.S. Trafalgar
Circa 1865–1875

A handsome British sailor's woolwork of the sought-after "Flag of Nations" type, centering on H.M.S. Trafalgar "” the 120-gun first-rate "” shown as a three-decker under full sail within an oval reserve, wearing her ensign on a blue-green sea. The oval is crowned and framed by a radiating fan of international flags, among them the American Stars and Stripes, the French tricolor, the Union Jack, the crescent flags of Ottoman Turkey, and the less common flag of Imperial Brazil, with a large Union Jack and White Ensign anchoring the lower corners. A ribbon banner below reads "H.M.S. TRAFALGAR.", and sprays of laurel worked with pink roses and thistle "” the emblems of England and Scotland "” surround the whole against a dark ground. Richly detailed and full of color, it's a real statement piece for a wall of maritime and folk art, a paneled study, or an entry that could use a note of nautical history. Presented in a bird's-eye maple frame with a gilt slip.

Dimensions
Framed Height: 22 inches (55.9 cm)
Framed Width: 27 inches (68.6 cm)

Provenance
Private New York Collection
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge

Condition
In excellent original condition, with no repairs or damage.

Historical Context
Launched at Woolwich in 1841 before Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, H.M.S. Trafalgar was the last of the Caledonia-class 120-gun first-rates and one of the Royal Navy's final great sailing three-deckers. She saw action at the bombardment of Sevastopol in 1854, was later converted to steam, and ended her days as a training ship. Here she appears in her original glory under full sail, as her makers would have wished her remembered. Woolworks of the "Flag of Nations" type "” with their fan of international flags around a central ship portrait "” rank among the most decorative and prized of all sailor's embroideries, and examples naming a storied ship are especially collectible. The inclusion of Imperial Brazil's flag is a charming touch, nodding to the South American coffee runs that were a staple of British seafaring; that ensign fell out of use in 1889, helping to date the work.

(Ref: NY1200-crrr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition

Origin:
United Kingdom

Materials & Techniques:
Wool

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition