| The ‘captain’s canvases’ are both documents recording mercantile maritime history and portraits of the individual ships. The captain wanted to see his own ship in all her splendour, plying the seas in full sail. The canvases often bear the name of the ship and her master in large letters together with the ship’s specifications. The captain’s canvases were meant to be realistic. They were often painted by a former seaman. Although the paintings were carefully composed in other respects the artist did take liberties: colourful flags could flap against the prevailing wind and the waves were not always very wavelike. And needless to say, the ships were always shipshape and |
Bristol fashion.
The painters of captains' canvases were to be found in many of the large port towns. Many of them would indicate their address on the paintings so they could be readily contacted if the need arose. Skilful artists, who could be trusted to have the painting ready before the ship set sail, would be guaranteed that their reputation would go before them around the world thanks to the proud captains.
The centre for painting in Europe was Copenhagen, but Antwerp, Rotterdam and Naples all boasted proficient artists. The trademark of the Neapolitan artists was the reliable presence of Mount Vesuvius.
|
