Country House Collections at Slane Castle 13
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&14
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October 2013
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629
EBENEZER COLLS (1812-1887)
H.M.S. Marlborough and The Red Squadron off Spithead with Portsmouth and The Royal Yacht Osborne II in the back-
ground
Oil on canvas, 50 x 75cm
Signed
This view of Spithead depicts ships of the line from The Red Squadron and presumably The Channel Fleet. H.M.S.
Marlborough in the foreground under sail was a three decker, 131 gun first rate, launched in 1855 and connected to steam
during completion, spending time with the Mediterranean fleet, she served as a receiving ship in Portsmouth from 1864
until moved to Portchester Creek in 1901.
In the background is the Royal Yacht, Osborne II, launched 1870, a steam paddle ship used by Queen Victoria for foreign
visits and travelling the short distance from Portsmouth to her house on the Isle of Wight, beyond is Portsmouth Harbour,
where just discernible is the H.M.S. Victory, Nelson’s flagship and flagship for the Port Admiral. In 1889 Victory became
the flagship for the commander in chief and remains so today.
Provenance: Beaulieu House, Drogheda, Co. Louth, sold by order of the Executors
€6000 - 8000
