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

USS Constitution Painting

Artifact IDMO 1957.43
Object Type Painting
Artist
Dateca. 1820
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionspainting H 21 3/4 in x W 31 1/2 in (55.2 cm x 80 cm )
 frame H 24 1/4 in x W 34 in x D 1 1/8 in (61.6 cm x 86.4 cm x 2.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA painting of the frigate, USS CONSTITUTION, in New York Harbor. It depicts a side view of the three-masted sailing ship, sails furled, with an American flag flying at the stern. At the left of the painting is an American fort, possibly Fort Jay on Governors Island. A small single-masted sailing vessel, also flying the American flag, is at the right of the painting. In the background, another three-masted sailing ship is seen, as well as a shoreline with trees and buildings.

The painting is framed in a 1½" gilt wood frame.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt 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.

FDR displayed this painting of the USS CONSTITUTION directly behind his desk in his private study in the White House residence.
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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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