Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Royalty
Captain Newcome is shaved roughly before being dunked in a tub of bilge water on the Equator
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Captain Newcome is shaved roughly before being dunked in a tub of bilge water on the Equator
6337354 Captain Newcome is shaved roughly before being dunked in a tub of bilge water on the Equator by Williams, Charles (Ansell) (c.1797-1850) (after); (add.info.: Captain Newcome is shaved roughly before being dunked in a tub of bilge water on the Equator. A sailor dressed as Neptune holds a trident and sits on a throne on a gun carriage. Other midshipmen in wigs as Naiads blow horns. Another holds a rough iron hoop used as a shaving razor. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after an illustration by Charles Williams from John Mitfords Adventures of Johnny Newcome in the Navy, London, 1819.); © Florilegius
Media ID 23733558
© Florilegius / Bridgeman Images
British Navy Charles Williams Deck Equator Gun Carriage Horn John Mitford Mast Midshipmen Naiads Napoleonic Battle Napoleonic Conquest Napoleonic War Napoleonic Wars Nautical Naval School Neptune Quarterdeck Razor Regency Rigging Rite Sailor Sails Sea God Shave Shaving Trident Copperplate Engraving Crossing The Line Dunk Handcoloured War Scene War Zone
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Charles Williams
> Asia
> Georgia
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Charles (c.1797-1850) (after) Williams
> Services
> Royal Navy
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous naval tradition as Captain Newcome undergoes a unique rite of passage on the Equator. In this vivid scene, we witness the captain being roughly shaved before being dunked in a tub filled with bilge water. The sailor dressed as Neptune presides over the ceremony, holding his trident while seated on a majestic throne mounted on a gun carriage. Surrounding them are midshipmen adorned in wigs, portraying Naiads blowing horns to herald this significant event. One of them holds an iron hoop used as a shaving razor, adding to the dramatic atmosphere. This handcoloured copperplate engraving by Charles Williams is based on an illustration from John Mitford's Adventures of Johnny Newcome in the Navy (1819), offering us an intriguing glimpse into naval life during that era. The crossing of the equator was considered a crucial milestone for sailors and marked their transition from inexperienced "pollywogs" to seasoned "shellbacks". This nautical ritual symbolized their acceptance into Neptune's realm and tested their mettle at sea. With its meticulous attention to detail and vibrant colors, this image transports us back to the Regency period when Britain's Royal Navy played a pivotal role in colonialism and empire-building. It serves as both historical documentation and artistic representation of naval customs during times of war. As we gaze upon this fascinating print, we can almost feel ourselves aboard ship, surrounded by towering masts, billowing sails, and fluttering flags—a testament to human resilience amidst the challenges faced by those who served in combat units within armed forces across history.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
