The American Ship Continent by Duncan McFarlane

                                                                                 McFarlane, Duncan  Attr.
                                                                                      (English  1818-1865)
Oil on canvas, depicting the American ship "CONTINENT" and other vessels coming into Liverpool, circa 1855.  The painting has outstanding detail and color and is a fine example of McFarlane's work.  The black hull ship has painted false gunports along her side.  At the bow, there is a detailed figurehead.  Rear of the figurehead is a quarterboard with gold lettering with the name, "CONTINENT".  Below the quarterboard is a gold painted  scrolled trailboard.  The ship is flying most of her sails.  The lowest sail on the main mast is fluttering while being raised and the lower sail on the aft mast is furled, thus exposing the outstanding detail in the ratlines and standing rigging.  The sails are beautifully shaded and retain the original seams and reef points.  The shadow in the sails as well as the raised sails are typical McFarlane techniques.  Flying from the top of the foremast is the Union Jack and flying from the top of the main mast is a red, white and blue house flag and flying off the gaff is a wonderful depiction of the American flag with a large five pointed star at the center of the blue ground surrounded by seventeen additional smaller stars.   To the left of the ship is Point Lynas with a lighthouse signaling the entrance to Liverpool Harbor.  There are three sailing vessels including pilot boat No.12, a topsail sloop and a brig.  All three vessels are painted in remarkable detail.  To the right of the "CONTINENT" is what appears to be one of the American Collins Line paddlewheel steam sail vessels flying the American flag while navigating under steam and sail.  In the right corner is a large hovering gull which has become a hallmark of McFarlane's paintings.  (PA-644)