Resolute and Intrepid sailing in Open Water. [watercolour]

Small watercolour (24.5 X 14.5 cm.) Mounted on an acid free board using acid free hinges in the upper corners. Slight evidence of having been previously mounted under an acid mount which shows about 4 mm. around the edges. Rear surface somewhat heavily stained. Slight bit of spotting or browning on the image. Signed with the initials G F McD in the bottom right hand corner. The colours still vibrant and clear. This watercolour and several others recently surfaced from the Kellett family along with Kellet's sledging flag. The flag is now in the Naval Museum in Portsmouth. McDougall served as Second Master on the Resolute and was a very accomplished artist. The image depicts the HMS Resolute in the foreground and the Intrepid in the background. The Intrepid was a steam tender and the smaller of the two ships. Both ships are seen moving along, under sail in the image. Both ships were part of Belcher's Arctic Squadron and formed the Western Searching group. The Resolute and three of the other ships were abandoned in 1854 after being beset in the ice. This was done under Belcher's controversial orders. The Resolute finally broke free of the ice in the next season and was spotted and recovered by an American whaler. The ship was returned to the British People in a grand ceremony attended by Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and even Lady Franklin was there. The ship was eventually decommissioned and salvaged for timber. Two larger desks were made with some of the wood and a small writing desk that was presented to Queen Victoria. The larger desk has graced the office of many of the US presidents including John F. Kennedy. There is a famous photo of his son looking out from under the desk. A great chance to acquire an attractive watercolur, executed on the expedition and with a great history.…