The Mount Vernon of Salem Michele Felice Cornè (1752-1845)

Here we observe a maritime scene dominated by a single ship in full sail, positioned prominently near the center foreground. The vessel is depicted with considerable detail, showcasing its rigging and hull construction. A plume of smoke erupts from its side, suggesting an active engagement or recent firing. This central ship appears to be maneuvering through a fleet of other vessels, discernible as smaller silhouettes receding into the background.
The composition establishes a sense of movement and action. The angle of the sails suggests a brisk wind propelling the featured vessel forward, while the surrounding ships appear more stationary, creating a visual hierarchy that emphasizes its dynamism. A subtle wake trails behind it, reinforcing this impression of speed.
The artist has rendered the sky with a soft palette of blues and whites, indicating a partly cloudy day. The water surface reflects the light, adding depth to the scene. The horizon line is relatively low, allowing for an expansive view of the sea and sky.
A dark band runs along the bottom edge of the painting, serving as a visual anchor and providing space for inscribed text. This inscription identifies the ship as The Mount Vernon of Salem, notes its captain (Capt. Chas. Derby), and provides a date: 1789. The presence of this information suggests that the work aims to document or commemorate a specific vessel and event within maritime history.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of naval power, commerce, and perhaps even conflict. The detailed depiction of the ship’s armament implies military readiness, while its position amidst a fleet hints at trade routes and international relations. The smoke suggests an encounter, though the nature of this interaction remains ambiguous – it could be a skirmish, a demonstration of force, or simply a training exercise. Overall, the work presents a snapshot of maritime activity during a period of significant historical change.