U.S. Constitution and H.B.M Frigate "Java"

Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

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U.S. Constitution and H.B.M Frigate "Java"

Artifact IDMO 1941.3.188

Object Type Painting

Artist Freeman

Date1814

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionspainting (painting on stretcher) H 21 in x W 31 1/2 in (53.3 cm x 80 cm )
frame H 28 3/4 in x W 38 1/4 in x D 3 in (73 cm x 97.2 cm x 7.6 cm )

Physical DescriptionA painting of the 1812 naval battle between the ships, USS CONSTITUTION and HMS JAVA. On the right is an angled view of the three-masted CONSTITUTION, sails unfurled, flying American flags from the top of a mast and at the stern. To the left of the ship are the remains of the JAVA, consisting of a dismasted hull with a British flag attached to the remnants of a mast at the stern. Pieces of broken sails are seen protruding up through the water in front of the destroyed ship.

The painting is framed in a 4¼" black-painted wood frame. Attached at the bottom of the frame is a gilt wood plaque with an inscription that reads: U.S. Constitution and / H.B.M. Frigate "Java" / by Freeman, 1814.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt purchased this painting of the USS Constitution and the HMS Java in 1922. FDR had a deep interest in the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), the most famous ship of the early American navy. He collected manuscripts, a ship log, prints, paintings, and manuscripts connected to its rich history.
Additional Details

Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt

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 StatusUnrestricted

CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

In Collection(s)

Not on view