Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Burning of the USS Philadelphia
Artifact IDMO 1943.2.1
Object Type
Painting
Maker
Unknown
Dateca. 1804
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsframe H 39 3/4 in x W 48 1/4 in x D 3 in (101 cm x 122.6 cm x 7.6 cm )
painting (painting on stretcher) H 34 1/4 in x W 42 7/8 in (87 cm x 108.9 cm )
painting (painting on stretcher) H 34 1/4 in x W 42 7/8 in (87 cm x 108.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA painting of the February 16, 1804 burning of the frigate, USS PHILADELPHIA, in Tripoli Harbor. Partially encircled by the fortifications of the harbor, the ship is shown engulfed in flames. Cannon fire is seen coming from a rounded tower in the right foreground. In the left foreground is a smaller sailing vessel filled with uniformed sailors, some holding their hats over their heads. The painting is unsigned and undated.
The painting is framed in a 3" gilt and black wood frame.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong collector of prints, engravings, and paintings illustrating the history of the United States Navy. This painting of the USS PHILADELPHIA (1799) may have been purchased by FDR at auction.The painting is framed in a 3" gilt and black wood frame.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 15, 1942. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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