HMS 'Formidable' careened in Malta Dockyard, 31 January 1843 RMG PW8039

HMS 'Formidable' careened in Malta Dockyard, 31 January 1843
The second rate warship ‘Formidable’ is shown being careened at the dockyard in the Grand Harbour at Malta. With the ship’s port underside exposed, dozens of men attend her from floating platforms and nearby boats, some depicted actively cleaning her hull. Several other rowing boats circulate in the still waters of the foreground, whilst behind at dockside activity centres on the base of the halyard holding ‘Formidable’ in place. Behind, more faintly drawn in a suggestion of aerial perspective, are the buildings of Birgu, with St. Lawrence's Church given particular prominence, framed neatly by the stern end of the ship.
Inscribed: “H.M.S. Formidable. Malta Dockyard 31 Jany 1843”.
Hand-coloured. PAF8040 is a duplicate.

H.M.S. Formidable Malta Dockyard 31 Jany 1843