🖼️ “Britannia of Åland Under Full Sail” — Capt. August Ekblom 

A Documented Baltic Trading Barque | After Andreas Lind, London 1869 | B. Hartvik, Mariehamn 1979

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Subject & Medium

A substantial and finely executed maritime oil painting depicting the three-masted barque Britannia of Åland, shown under full sail and clearly inscribed with both vessel name and master, Captain August Ekblom.

Painted in oil on canvas in Mariehamn (Åland) in 1979 by B. Hartvik, the work faithfully follows an original composition painted from life in London in 1869 by the established marine artist Andreas Gundersen Lind. It sits firmly within the Northern European tradition of documentary ship portraiture, where vessels were recorded with precision, clarity, and technical understanding.

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Composition & Technique

The vessel is presented in strict profile, a defining feature of 19th-century professional marine painting, allowing a complete and accurate rendering of the ship’s structure, rigging, and sail plan.

The Britannia is shown on a starboard tack, moving left to right, a conventional composition indicating forward progress and a successful passage.

The artist demonstrates strong observational control through:

• Precisely articulated standing and running rigging
• Clear structural definition of masts and spars
• Subtle tonal modelling across the sails, suggesting wind pressure and canvas tension

The restrained handling of sea and sky reinforces the documentary nature of the work, ensuring the vessel remains the dominant focus.

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Historical Context

The original composition was painted in London in 1869, at the height of the sailing era, when the port was one of the world’s principal maritime centres.

During this period:

• Scandinavian vessels played a central role in European trade
• Åland produced highly skilled captains and seafarers
• Timber and grain were transported continuously from the Baltic to Britain

This painting represents a real working vessel within an active international trade network, captured during a period of operational service rather than as an imagined scene.

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About the Ship

The Britannia is depicted as a three-masted barque, the most efficient and widely used merchant rig of the mid-19th century.

She carries a complete and convincingly rendered sail plan:

• Square sails on foremast and mainmast (courses, topsails, topgallants)
• Fore-and-aft mizzen rig with spanker
• Multiple headsails set forward
• Staysails between the masts

This configuration indicates favourable wind conditions and steady forward movement. The vessel can be understood as a mid-sized ocean-going merchant barque operating within Baltic–North Sea trade routes under Scandinavian command.

The ship sails under the Russian merchant ensign, reflecting Finland’s position within the Russian Empire (1809–1917).

Additional identifying details include:

• Red masthead pennant bearing the name “BRITANNIA”
• Blue numeric signal flag
• Full signal hoist indicating active maritime communication

These elements support the accuracy and observational basis of the composition.

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The Sea & Background

The sea is rendered with controlled movement, showing rolling swells rather than dramatic waves, suggesting a vessel in steady passage.

• Deep blue-green tonal range with lighter crests
• Directional wave patterns reinforcing forward motion
• Subtle highlights indicating wind interaction

In the background:

• A low coastline appears to the left, likely referencing British waters or the Thames approaches
• A secondary sailing vessel in the distance adds depth and context

The sky, now showing age-related wear, was originally treated as a neutral atmospheric field, allowing the ship to remain the visual focus.

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About the Artist

The composition originates from Andreas Gundersen Lind (1815–1885), a Scandinavian marine painter of recognised standing.

• Former sailor with practical maritime knowledge
• Active in London during the 19th century
• Known for painting ships from life in port

The present version, executed by B. Hartvik in 1979, reflects a Scandinavian tradition of preserving historically significant maritime subjects through later studio works.

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Signed

Signed and inscribed lower left:
“After And. Lind’s gouache painted in London 1869. Mariehamn 1979 B. Hartvik.”

Ship inscription:
“BRITANNIA FRÅN ÅLAND CAPT. AUG. EKBLOM”

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Framed

Presented in its original 1970s gilt moulded frame, appropriate to the period of execution and enhancing its classic maritime presentation.

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Size

Canvas: 80 cm (W) × 58.5 cm (H)
Frame: 87 cm (W) × 65.5 cm (H) × 3.7 cm (D)

A well-balanced and substantial format with strong visual presence.

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Provenance

• Recorded art market sale, 27 February 2013
• Skånes Auktionsverk, Landskrona, Sweden — 18 December 2018
• Private collection
• Bushwood Antiques
• Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

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Why You’ll Love It

• Named vessel and captain, adding historical specificity
• Based on a documented 1869 London ship portrait
• Strong Scandinavian maritime context
• Accurate rigging and sail configuration
• A clear representation of Baltic trade history
• Combines technical detail with strong decorative presence

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Condition Report

The painting presents well overall, with condition consistent with age and environmental exposure.

• Areas of paint loss, particularly in sky and sea
• Visible foxing and surface staining
• General craquelure across the paint surface
• Evidence of vertical water staining
• Canvas thinning with some small tears

The painting would benefit from professional cleaning and sympathetic restoration to enhance clarity and presentation.

The frame shows:

• Losses to gilding
• Discolouration and surface wear

Despite these points, the work retains strong visual impact and remains a good candidate for restoration.