Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Burning of U.S.S. Philadelphia
Artifact IDMO 1941.3.267
Object Type
Painting
Maker
Unknown
Date19th century
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsframe H 20 3/4 in x W 27 in x D 1 1/4 in (52.7 cm x 68.6 cm x 3.2 cm )
painting (painting on stretcher) H 18 1/4 in x W 24 1/4 in (46.4 cm x 61.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA painting of the February 16, 1804 burning of the frigate, USS PHILADELPHIA, in Tripoli Harbor. The nighttime scene depicts the ship's dismasted hull on fire with bright flames rising high into the sky. Pieces of broken masts, one still flying the American flag, are seen protruding up through the water in front of the destroyed ship. A sailing ship is faintly seen in the left background of the painting. The painting is unsigned. The remnant of a title label is on the reverse of the painting's stretcher. painting (painting on stretcher) H 18 1/4 in x W 24 1/4 in (46.4 cm x 61.6 cm )
The painting is framed in a 1½" gilt wood frame. Attached at the bottom of the frame is a small gold-colored metal plaque bearing title of painting: BURNING OF U.S.S. PHILADELPHIA.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong collector of prints, engravings, and paintings illustrating the history of the United States Navy. He is believed to have purchased this painting of the USS PHILADELPHIA at the Crimmins Sale at the Anderson Galleries, through E. Gottschalk of the Old Print Shop, in 1918 for $15.
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
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