Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
The Merrimac Sinking the Cumberland
Artifact IDMO 2002.6.1
Object Type
Painting
Artist
Unknown
Dateca. 1862
Mediumoil on board over transferred print
Dimensionsframe H 15 3/4 in x W 22 3/8 in x D 1 1/8 in (40 cm x 56.8 cm x 2.9 cm )
painting (on board) H 12 3/4 in x W 19 1/2 in (32.4 cm x 49.5 cm )
painting (on board) H 12 3/4 in x W 19 1/2 in (32.4 cm x 49.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA painting of the engagement between the USS CUMBERLAND and the CSS VIRGINIA (formerly the USS MERRIMACK) in which the VIRGINIA rammed the CUMBERLAND. It depicts the frigate CUMBERLAND at the center of the scene, the stern facing the viewer, heavily listing to the left with white smoke issuing from its starboard side and crew members jumping overboard. The iron clad VIRGINIA is visible in the right background. In front and to the left of the CUMBERLAND are two sailing vessels (one large and one small), as well as a number of occupied rowboats.
The painting is framed in a 1½" gilt wood frame with red highlights. Attached to the bottom of the frame is a small gilt plaque on which is hand painted an inscription that reads: • The Merrimac [sp.]. • / Sinking the Cumberland. / by an Eye Witness. A very old handwritten paper label on the reverse reads: The Confederate Ram / Merrimac [sp.] sinking the / Cumberland / Printed on the spot [?]. Also on the reverse side is a sticker showing the piece was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Museum of Art in Philadelphia, and was from the President at the White House.
Historical NoteThe USS Cumberland was sunk by the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) at Newport News, Virginia on March 8, 1862 during the Battle of Hampton Roads.The painting is framed in a 1½" gilt wood frame with red highlights. Attached to the bottom of the frame is a small gilt plaque on which is hand painted an inscription that reads: • The Merrimac [sp.]. • / Sinking the Cumberland. / by an Eye Witness. A very old handwritten paper label on the reverse reads: The Confederate Ram / Merrimac [sp.] sinking the / Cumberland / Printed on the spot [?]. Also on the reverse side is a sticker showing the piece was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Museum of Art in Philadelphia, and was from the President at the White House.
Franklin Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong collector of prints, engravings, and paintings illustrating the history of the United States Navy. This painting was orginally part of FDR's collection.
FDR's interest in this painting may have been influenced by the fact that a Delano ancestor, Edward Hartt Delano, was involved in the construction of the Merrimack. The painting is believed to be the original oil painting for one of the popular lithographs of the battle produced by Currier & Ives. As such, it would have been prized by a collector like Roosevelt who had an intense interest in the fabled battle. FDR would have also been attracted by the fact that the painting was attributed to an eyewitness. He especially prized such artworks, appreciating their value to the historical record.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteOn FDR's death in 1945, the painting was inherited by John A. Roosevelt. It was purchased at auction in 2001 by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Credit LineGift of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesUnited States Navy Materials (National Archives Identifier 782673)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view