The Great Harry contrasted with the Royal Albert RMG PU0282

The Great Harry contrasted with the Royal Albert
A 19th-century engraving contrasting the 'Great Harry' (1514), the largest ship in the world during the reign of Henry VIII, with the 'Royal Albert' (1854), a Royal Navy man-of-war of 131 guns. An ornamental border is engraved on either side of the inscription. The comparison is striking, revealing the much smaller scale of the Tudor vessel, which is dramatically less powerful in sail and firepower. Although each ship is depicted with equal attention to her physical characteristics, the earlier vessel is shown departing and in shadow, while the new man-of-war, her huge sail power aided by a head of steam, is advancing with the sun full on her sails and starboard beam. Small sailing vessels to their left and right add a sense of scale.