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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
U.S. Frigate Anchored off Philadelphia
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

U.S. Frigate Anchored off Philadelphia

Object numberMO 1941.3.268
Artist (Scottish-American, 1831 - 1898)
Dateca. 1860-1880
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsframe H 21 1/2 in x W 33 5/8 in x D 2 in (54.6 cm x 85.4 cm x 5.1 cm )
image H 18 in x W 30 in (45.7 cm x 76.2 cm )

DescriptionA painting of the Delaware River looking towards Philadelphia. It depicts a nighttime scene with the sky and water lit by moonlight. Anchored in the forefront is a large, unidentified square-rigged steam frigate warship with the sails furled. Numerous other sailing ships are seen the background, as well as the city of Philadelphia in the distance, including two visible church spires which likely represent Christ Church and St. Peters.

The painting is framed in a gilt wood frame with decorative trim.
Label TextFranklin Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong collector of prints, engravings, and paintings illustrating the history of the United States Navy. He purchased this painting from the bookshop of Newman F. McGirr in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1930 for $30. FDR displayed it in his private study in the White House residence.
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Non exposé
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