Guardian of the Empire: A 74-Gun Royal Navy Ship of the Line

oil on canvas, 24” x 36” (framed dimensions: 34” x 46”)

$19,500

In the 18th and early 19th century there was no question that Britain's Royal Navy boasted the most powerful warships afloat. They dominated the seas and allowed Britain to develop and protect its worlwide Empire. The backbone of the fleet was the 74-Gun third-rate ship of the line, which carried cannons on all three decks and had superior sailing capabilities compared to larger, 100-Gun first rate ships like HMS VICTORY.

O'Brien's painting gives us an idea of what opposing sailors must have seen as this massive vessel was coming straight toward them at full speed and guns firing!