The CHARLES W. MORGAN Prepares to Leave for her Sixth Voyage from New Bedford, MA, 1860

shadowbox/mixed media, 34" x 28" x 15"

$16,000

This intricately detailed work of art is remarkable, not just for its extraordinary craftsmanship but for the historic content. The whaleship Charles W. Morgan was built in 1841 and sailed on 19 voyages around the world from her homeport of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Today she remarkably survives as America’s oldest whaleship as the flagship of the Mystic Seaport Museum. Marpeau’s creation brings to life all the activity that surrounded the preparations from New Bedford, for the Morgan’s departure on a three-year voyage.

Look closely and you can see the many shops, and tradesmen, townspeople. and skilled laborers are gathered on the quay. These include the Sailmaker delivering a big sail in a cart, the Blacksmith forging new harpoons and repairing twisted harpoons. The Cooper assembles some more barrels, the Carpenter is busy finishing a last Whaleboat, while another inspects the planking. The Cook prepares a pig to be roasted, and a young sailor plays his accordion, while other sailors help one another put their trunks for the journey onboard. A child dreams to join the crew and his little brother is fascinated by the Whale ship model nearly finished by an old sailor. Mixed up with the constellations in the sky is the path to be followed by the Charles W. Morgan in the Pacific.