#Us frigate full#

That painting depicts the 1864 battle in which the USS Kearsage sank the famed Confederate raider. “I like the painting of the Merrimac so much that I wish you would send me on approval Xanthus Smith’s painting of the Sinking of the Alabama” (see MO 1957.45). Several months later, Roosevelt wrote McGirr again. He attached a note to the bill: “Glad to have-Much better than I thought! FDR.” Smith which looks more like a mathematical drawing than a work of art, but if it is one of the better paintings I should be glad to have you send it over to me at 49 East 65th Street, New York City, to see.”Īfter viewing the painting, FDR paid McGirr $42 for it. In a March 7, 1922, letter to McGirr he noted: “I should not care to have it if it were one of the paintings of Mr. Roosevelt approached this purchase cautiously. One of his Delano relatives had been instrumental in the Merrimack’s construction. Roosevelt was initially attracted to this painting of the 1862 battle between the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) and the USS Congress, which he found listed in a McGirr catalog. Though not intended to operate alone against enemy capital ships, frigates are now primarily used to support destroyer squadrons and carrier battle groups by performing escort, anti-submarine. He is best known for his depictions of important naval battles of that war-a special interest of FDR’s. Smith was a marine artist who served in the United States Navy during the Civil War. FDR often purchased naval artwork from McGirr during the 1920s and 1930s. McGirr, a Philadelphia book and art dealer. In 1922, he purchased this Xanthus Smith painting from Newman F. Historical Note Franklin Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong collector of prints, engravings, and paintings illustrating the history of the United States Navy. The painting is framed in a 1¼' black-painted wood frame with gilt inner trim. The painting is signed by the artist in the lower left corner: Xanthus Smith.

To the right of the CONGRESS is a partially sunken sailing ship, presumably the USS CUMBERLAND. Behind the VIRGINIA are two additional Confederate war ships. The scene depicts the VIRGINIA, on the left, firing at the CONGRESS, on the right, from which flames can be seen rising from the deck.

#Us frigate full#

The full title is: Rebel Ironclad MERRIMAC destroying the US Frigate CONGRESS, Newport News, Va, March 9, 1862.

Physical Description A painting of the CSS VIRGINIA (formerly the USS MERRIMACK) destroying the USS CONGRESS at Newport News, Virginia in 1862. Dimensions frame H 17 5/8 in x W 27 in x D 1 5/8 in (44.8 cm x 68.6 cm x 4.1 cm )