(Recto) Sketch of Port Mahon, 12 November 1851; (Verso) study of HMS 'Queen' at Malta, 3 March 1852 RMG PZ0861-001

(Recto) Sketch of Port Mahon, 12 November 1851; (Verso) study of HMS 'Queen' at Malta, 3 March 1852
No. 13 of 36 (PAI0849 - PAI0884).
(Recto) Inscribed top left 'Port Mahon / Novr 12th 51' and top right 'Queen'. This drawing appears to show the south side of the harbour of Port Mahon with the masts of a ship above the headland, on the inward side, towards Bloody Island and the town, and the stern of HMS 'Queen' at anchor on the right. A lateen rigged local boat is coming out behind her. Minorca was by this date permanently Spanish, so any British presence there was a courtesy visit.
(Verso) Inscribed top left, 'Queen / March 3rd 52/ from Stern Port of Trafalgar / bearing the Flag of Sir W. Parker'. This is a hull study of the ship moored in Grand Harbour, Malta, not quite finished as far as the watercolour goes and with masts and rigging only done lightly in pencil. There is no setting shown but the location is clear from the date and the fact that one of the two boats alongside is a Maltese dghaisa.
The ship was a 110-gun 1st rate (planned as the 'Royal Frederick') launched at Portsmouth in 1839. In 1859 she was converted to steam auxiliary, reducing her armament to 86 guns.

Sketch of Port Mahon, 12 November 1851