(Recto) HMS 'Trafalgar' losing her rudder-head in a north-easterly gale off Malta, 1 February 1852; (Verso) a coastal profile of Majorca, with a vase of flowers and a study of leaves, 3 June 1852

No. 15 of 36 (PAI0849 - PAI0884).

(Recto) Inscribed top left, 'N.E. Gale off Malta / July 1st 1852 / HMS Trafalgar losing / her Rudder Head' and bottom left 'Gregale' (Italian for a north-easter). An impressive rendering of Mends's very large ship (120 guns) in a storm, with another in the right distance. 'Trafalgar' has her topgallant masts lowered and her jib boom completely struck down. All sail is tightly furled save a double-reefed main topsail and a mizzen staysail to keep her head to wind.

(Verso) Inscribed top left, 'Majorca June 3rd 1852', this is a coastal profile sketch of Majorca from seaward covering the full width of the page, though the nearer land is more heavily shaded. It is overlaid, also in pencil, with an indeterminate 'doodle', a spherical vase or pot of flowers in the centre, and a slight study of a spray of leaves on the right.

Object Details

ID: PAI0863
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Mends, George Pechell; Mends, George Pechell
Places: Mallorca
Vessels: Trafalgar (1841)
Date made: 1 July 1852; 1852
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 255 x 372 mm
Parts: Captain Captain George Pechell Mends' 'Trafalgar' sketchbook: (inside front cover) 'Hints on Drawing' with a small watercolour landscape sketch (Sketchbook)