La Belle Poule 1881 Antique Maritime Drawing in Pen and Ink Signed

Description

This La Belle Poule ink drawing is dated 2 April 1881 and bears a signature in the lower right corner.

The composition depicts a large three-masted sailing ship under sail viewed from the stern quarter. Delicate pen work describes the intricate network of ropes, shrouds and ratlines, together with the sails, gunports and stern windows. Freer strokes capture the movement of the sea and clouds, while a distant coastline adds depth to the scene.

The vessel is probably the celebrated Belle Poule launched in 1834. Commanded by the Prince de Joinville, this frigate brought Napoleon I’s remains back to France from Saint Helena in 1840 during the historic “Retour des cendres”. The ship’s silhouette and broad stern resemble period depictions of that vessel.

The drawing presents the ship under sail rather than depicting the ceremonial transfer of Napoleon’s remains.

The handwritten title “La Belle Poule” appears at the lower right beside a signature whose author has not yet been identified. The date “2 Avril 81” is inscribed at the lower left.

Medium: pen and ink on paper.
Date: 2 April 1881.
Sheet dimensions: 36 × 27.5 cm.

Condition: age-related paper yellowing with scattered small spots and marks, together with minor edge irregularities. Please examine the photographs for the condition of this particular work.

A finely detailed nineteenth-century maritime drawing with strong decorative appeal for collectors of sailing ships, naval history and Napoleonic subjects.