U.S.S. CONSTITUTION in Boston Harbor, Firing a Salute, 1812
oil on canvas 24" x 36" (framed dimensions: 32” x 44”)
$19,500
This painting depicts the young American Navy’s premier flagship, the 44-Gun Frigate U.S.S. CONSTITUTION in 1812, just days before she is engaged in one of the most famous battles in American Naval history. Though built by Congressional order in 1797, at this moment the CONSTITUTION was commanded by one of the most daring and celebrated U.S. Naval officers of the era, Derby, CT native, Isaac Hull (1773–1843). After going to sea at an early age and commanding several merchant vessels, Hull joined the nascent U.S. Navy and served as first lieutenant and executive officer on the U.S.S. CONSTITUTION from 1798 to 1802. He went on to command the Schooner ENTERPRISE, the Brig ARGUS, and important Frigates U.S.S. CHESAPEAKE, and U.S.S. PRESIDENT. On board these, he earned a reputation for first-class seamanship and ship handling.
On June 17, 1810, Hull assumed command of the U.S.S. CONSTITUTION. In 1811, he sailed her on a diplomatic mission to Europe, returning to the Washington Navy Yard for repairs in March of 1812. When war with Great Britain was declared in June 20, 1812, Hull sailed CONSTITUTION North, along the New Jersey coast, where she was in sight of and chased by five British ships for three days. Only Hull’s superior seamanship, which included towing the CONSTITUTION with rowboats, to help elude certain capture. They arrived in Boston on July 27th, and after a short stay, perhaps without authority, Hull departed Boston on August 2nd, to patrol the North Atlantic off Nova Scotia. Little did he know that very soon, on August 19th, the CONSTITUTION would be engaged in the most important battle in U.S. Naval history - when she met the 38-Gun British Frigate H.M.S. GUERRIÈRE. It was a close, heated engagement. As cannon balls bounced off CONSTITUTION’s hull, a British sailor was heard to exclaim “Her sides are made of iron!” -- prompting CONSTITUTION’s nickname ‘Old Ironsides,’ which endures today. After only 35 minutes, the proud GUERRIÈRE was totally disabled. Hull’s victory stunned the British and proved that the new U.S. Navy was up to the challenge of battling the historically dominant Royal Navy.
