“britannia of Åland Under Full Sail” — Captain August Ekblom Maritime Oil Painting | After Andreas G. Lind, London 1869 | B. Hartvik, Mariehamn 1979

“Britannia of Åland Under Full Sail” — Captain August Ekblom Maritime Oil Painting | After Andreas G. Lind, London 1869 | B. Hartvik, Mariehamn 1979 Description A large and finely executed maritime oil painting depicting the three-masted barque Britannia of Åland under full sail, with the ship and captain clearly inscribed: Captain August Ekblom. Painted in 1979 by B. Hartvik in Mariehamn, this work is based on an original 1869 ship portrait by the respected Scandinavian marine artist Andreas Gundersen Lind. This painting follows the long-established Northern European tradition of ship portraiture, where vessels were recorded with precision and accuracy for their owners and captains. Subject & Detail The vessel is shown in strict profile on a starboard tack, a classic format in 19th-century marine painting that allows full appreciation of the ship’s structure and rigging. Key features include: Three-masted barque with full sail set Square sails to foremast and mainmast Fore-and-aft mizzen rig with spanker Multiple jibs and staysails Finely detailed rigging and spars Signal flags and named masthead pennant The ship sails under the Russian merchant ensign, reflecting Finland’s historical position within the Russian Empire during the 19th century. Composition The composition is balanced and purposeful, with the vessel moving left to right, suggesting forward motion and a successful voyage. The sea is rendered with gentle rolling movement, while a distant coastline and secondary ship add depth without distracting from the main subject. Historical Context The original composition dates to London, 1869, during the height of international maritime trade. Scandinavian vessels, particularly from Åland, were heavily involved in transporting timber and grain across the Baltic and North Sea trade routes. This painting represents a real working vessel within that network, rather than a purely decorative or imagined scene. Artists After Andreas Gundersen Lind (1815–1885) A recognised Scandinavian marine painter and former sailor, known for painting ships from life, particularly in London. B. Hartvik (Mariehamn, 1979) Produced as part of a Scandinavian tradition of preserving historic maritime subjects through later studio works. Signature Signed and dated lower left: “After And. Lind’s gouache painted in London 1869. Mariehamn 1979 B. Hartvik.” Inscribed with ship name and captain: “BRITANNIA FRÅN ÅLAND CAPT. AUG. EKBLOM” Size Canvas: 80 cm × 58.5 cm Framed: 87 cm × 65.5 cm × 3.7 cm A substantial cabinet-size painting with strong wall presence. Frame Housed in its original 1970s gilt frame, complementing the traditional maritime subject. Provenance Art market record, 27 February 2013 Skånes Auktionsverk, Sweden, 18 December 2018 Private collection Bushwood Antiques Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd Why This Piece Stands Out Named ship and captain Based on a documented 19th-century ship portrait Strong Scandinavian maritime interest Accurate and detailed rigging Decorative yet historically grounded Ideal for collectors of marine art or nautical antiques Keywords (LoveAntiques SEO) Antique maritime painting, marine oil painting, ship portrait, sailing ship painting, barque ship artwork, nautical antique, Scandinavian marine art, 19th century ship painting, vintage maritime wall art, framed ship painting, Baltic maritime history, traditional nautical decor