U. S. Frigate Constitution

MediumWatercolor, ink and gouache on paper

Dimensions10.25 × 11.6 in. (26 × 29.5 cm)

ClassificationsMarine and Seascapes

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1934

Object number521

DescriptionA watercolor depiction of a United States naval frigate from the stern, showing the vessel with sails set, an American flag fluttering from the stern, and gunports open. Navy seamen are shown in the rigging of all three masts. The vessel, painted black and white, is shown in a brisk breeze and a heavy sea. Its copper bottom can just be seen where the frigate has rolled to port. The work retains its original framing, including a black and gold mat reverse painted on glass.
NotesThe U. S. S. Constitution, first laid down in 1794, was launched on 21 October 1797, and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. The noble vessel was designed by Joshua Humphreys and Josiah Fox. It was built by Col. George Claghorn at Edmond Hart's shipyard in Boston of live oak, red cedar, white oak, pitch pine, and locust. Timber came from states ranging from Maine to South Caroline and Georgia. The Constitution remained in active service until the Civil War, when it became a training ship. Her long and active career at sea closed in December 1881. From 1883 to 1897 the vessel became a receiving ship at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME. In 1897, the Constitution returned to Boston for its Centennial. It remains there to this day, having been rebuilt in 1925 to 1931, again from 1973 to 1976, and again from 1992 to 1995. Each year it makes an Annual Turnaround Cruise into Boston Harbor, now fixed on July 4th to celebrate our nation's birthday. For her bicentennial in 1997, the Constitution was allowed to sail unassisted for the first time in 116 years.

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