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The Duchess before a light breeze, c.1681 (graphite)
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The Duchess before a light breeze, c.1681 (graphite)
7341879 The Duchess before a light breeze, c.1681 (graphite) by Velde, Willem van de, the Elder (1611-93); 27.8x41.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Elder?
Portrait of the three-decker Duchess before a light breeze, viewed from abaft the starboard beam. Before the wind under fore course, topsails and half clewed up main course. Firing a salute. A flag at the mizzen and pendant at the mizzen peak. The mastheads of the fore and main are not shown. In the right distance, a stern view of another three-decker.
The Duchess was renamed Princess Anne in 1701, Windsor Castle in 1702 and Blenheim in 1706. She was rebuilt in 1709 (R.C. Anderson Lists of Men-of-War'). The Duchess was broken up (as Blenheim) in 1763. She was the largest of the second rates built under the programme of 1677. Sections in a shipwright's rough sketch book of that time give her dimensions; these appear to have exceeded those set down for second rate under the 1677 establishment. L.G. Carr Laughton criticised her design becaue her breadth line is shown as below her waterline, so she would have sat low in the water before loading (Mariner's Mirror Vol XVIII p.144-6). Duchess is listed as a hospital ship from 1702-1706 (as Princess Anne). The Blenheim in Baston's engraving presumably shows the same ship.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38516222
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The 'Duchess' before a light breeze, captured in this stunning graphite print by Willem van de Velde, the Elder, transports us back to the year 1681. The three-decker ship is depicted gracefully sailing through calm waters, with its fore course and topsails billowing in the wind. A salute is being fired from the deck as a flag waves at the mizzen and a pendant flutters at the mizzen peak.
This detailed portrait of the 'Duchess' offers a glimpse into maritime history, showcasing not only the grandeur of this majestic vessel but also highlighting its eventual transformations over time. Renamed Princess Anne in 1701 and later Windsor Castle and Blenheim, this ship underwent various changes before ultimately being broken up in 1763.
The intricate details captured by van de Velde bring to life the sheer size and power of the 'Duchess', making it clear why she was considered one of the largest second rates built under her program. Despite criticisms about her design, she served as a hospital ship for several years before meeting her end.
This print serves as a reminder of both the beauty and complexity of naval architecture during this era, offering viewers a window into a world where ships like the 'Duchess' ruled supreme on open seas.
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