19Th Century Wool-Work Ship Picture.

A 19th Century Woolwork Ship Picture, Dated September 1885

A fine and vibrant sailor’s woolwork picture depicting a fully rigged ship at sea, surrounded by smaller roundels of ships under sail and boldly embroidered flags, including the Union Jack, Red Ensign, White Ensign, American Stars and Stripes, and other maritime colours. At the top, a scrolling cartouche worked with the name “Fred. Young – Sep. 1885” beneath a heart and cross motif, suggesting the piece was created either as a memento of service or as a token of affection.

The work retains excellent colour and detail, typical of sailor-made “woolies” from the second half of the 19th century, and is set in its original figured maple frame with a gilt slip.

England, dated September 1885.