Vintage Maritime Oil Painting of “Britannia of Åland” – Scandinavian Ship Portrait, Baltic Barque, Signed Hartvik After Lind

Details

Description

Vintage Maritime Oil Painting of “Britannia of Åland” – Scandinavian Ship Portrait, Baltic Barque, Signed Hartvik After Lind

Overview
A … Read more Vintage Maritime Oil Painting of “Britannia of Åland” – Scandinavian Ship Portrait, Baltic Barque, Signed Hartvik After Lind

Overview
A striking vintage maritime oil painting depicting the three-masted barque Britannia of Åland under full sail, with the vessel and captain, August Ekblom, clearly inscribed.
Painted in 1979 by B. Hartvik in Mariehamn, this piece is based on an 1869 London ship portrait by marine artist Andreas Gundersen Lind. It reflects the long-standing Scandinavian tradition of ship portraiture—where vessels were rendered with both technical precision and quiet pride.
This is a large-scale, visually impactful work that blends historical with timeless nautical décor appeal.

The Composition
The ship is shown in clean side profile, sailing left to right across open water—a classic and highly collectible format in maritime art.
The rigging, sails, and structure are carefully detailed, giving the painting a strong sense of realism and craftsmanship. The vessel is shown fully rigged and underway, conveying movement without drama—steady, purposeful, and composed.
Subtle tonal work in the sails and sea adds depth while keeping the focus on the ship itself.

Historical Interest
This painting connects directly to the golden age of sail:
Based on an original 1869 London marine painting
Depicts a working Baltic trading vessel
Reflects Scandinavian maritime heritage
Shows a ship operating during a key period of European trade
The inclusion of the Russian merchant flag further anchors the work in its 19th-century geopolitical context, when Finland was part of the Russian Empire.

Artist Background
After Andreas Gundersen Lind (1815–1885), a Scandinavian marine painter known for documenting ships from life while working in London.
This version was painted by B. Hartvik in 1979, continuing a Nordic tradition of recreating historically significant ship portraits.

Details
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated lower left
Inscribed with ship name and captain
Original 1970s gilt frame
Dimensions
Canvas: 80 cm W × 58.5 cm H
Framed: 87 cm W × 65.5 cm H × 3.7 cm D
A substantial size, ideal as a statement wall piece.

Provenance
Skånes Auktionsverk, Sweden (2018)
Earlier recorded sale (2013)
Private collection
Bushwood Antiques
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD


Why It Works
This painting sits comfortably between fine art and interior design:
Classic nautical subject with historical depth
Neutral palette that works in both traditional and modern spaces
Ideal for studies, libraries, coastal interiors, or gallery walls
A conversation piece with maritime character See less