Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "Great Republic" Signed lower right. Original oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood Golden Age of Sail Collection Great Republic porcelain plate. Sporting four towering masts, miles of rigging and weighing 4,555 tons, the Great Republic was by far the largest wooden merchant sailing vessel ever built. Her much publicized and ceremonious launching on October 4, 1853, symbolized an era when sailing ships ruled the world's seas. At a time when shipwrights the world over were striving to build bigger and better vessels, the Great Republic stood alone as the epitome of sailing ships. Her fine lines and workmanship paid homage to the genius and skill of those who built her. But just two months after her launching, the Great Republic was destroyed by fire while moored at New York Harbor. Cinders from a nearby burning building had ignited her riggings. Undaunted, shipbuilders set about the monumental task of resurrecting this magnificent ship. Rebuilding the Great Republic took more than a year. Although her weight was reduced by nearly 1,200 tons and her stowage capacity shrunk by 2,000 tons as well, the Great Republic nevertheless remained the largest merchant ship afloat. She went on to an illustrious career, carrying a variety of cargo all over the world. Image Size: 21.75 x 25.5 in. Overall Size: 25 x 27 in. Unframed. (B06549)