19Th Century Maritime Folk Art Wool-work Picture.

An outstanding 19th century embroidered picture of a naval ship in stormy seas set in a beautiful maple frame, circa 1860.

Ship embroideries and usually unsigned and their makers unidentified. Some say that they were made by sailors during long voyages at sea; however, it is likely that many were made on land. The production of ship portraits in various media was a thriving business in major ports. Even though sailors were adept needleworkers, it is quite possible that some portraits were stitched for seaman by artisans familiar with the sea.

The portraits depict naval warships, merchant vessels or private yachts. They are generally shown broadside, boasting their distinctive features before the wind, with full sails and oversize flags unfurled for legibility. Coastal scenes, nautical guideposts such as lighthouses, beacons and buoys, and other ships are sometimes included. Many embroideries are embellished with flags of important maritime nations or ports, royal emblems, heraldic symbols, coat of arms, photographs, flowers and allegoric figures. In some embroideries, the ships are framed by elaborately stitched portholes or open stage curtains.