Abel Bowen
U.S. Frigate Constitution, of 44 Guns

U.S. Frigate Constitution, of 44 Guns

Public Domain

U.S. Frigate Constitution, of 44 Guns
EngraverAmerican, 1790–1850
ArtistAmerican, c. 1774–1844
PublisherAmerican, c. 1774–1844
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • U.S. Frigate Constitution, of 44 Guns
Datec. 1812
PlaceBoston, Massachusetts, United States
MediumEngraving and aquatint with etching and watercolor on wove paper
DimensionsPlate: 16 5/8 × 21 in. (42.2 × 53.3 cm)
Sheet: 17 3/4 x 22 5/8 in. (45.1 x 57.5 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Jeffery D. Hildebrand and Anthony G. Petrello in honor of Mindy Hildebrand and Cynthia Petrello at "One Great Night in November, 2010"
Object numberB.2010.19
Not on view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

Abel Bowen’s stirring depiction of the USS Constitution is regarded as the rarest American print related to the War of 1812. A wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate of the United States Navy, Constitution was named by President George Washington, and constructed and launched from Boston in 1797. Today she is heralded as the world’s oldest fully commissioned naval vessel, with her crew participating in ceremonies and educational programs that promote the Navy’s role in war and peace.

Unquestionably, she is best known for her exploits during the War of 1812 when she defeated no less than five British warships and numerous merchant vessels, earning her the moniker “Old Ironsides.” William Lynn’s dramatic composition is believed to mark the moment of her victorious return to Boston. His meticulous and accurate delineation of the masts, stays, rigging, and sails tells of his training as a rigger.

Related examples: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.


Provenance[The Old Print Shop, Inc., New York]; purchased by MFAH, 2010.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Recto: Inscribed in printed ink, below plate, left: Drawn by W.m. Lynn.
Recto: Inscribed in printed ink, below plate, center: Boston, Pub.t. by W.m. Lynn.
Recto: Inscribed in printed ink, below plate, right: A. Bowen Sr.
Recto: Inscribed in printed ink, below plate, center bottom edge: U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, of 44 GUNS.


Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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