F5803-005

'Royal William', figurehead detail Long Caption: Scale: 1:48. A contemporary full hull model of the ‘Royal William’ (1719), a 100-gun three-decker ship of the line, built in the Georgian style. The model is decked and equipped and has been made to split along the main wales, revealing the interior layout and construction. This model generally shows the ‘Royal William’ as built, although the side gangways in the waist linking the quarterdeck to the forecastle, were generally introduced in 1745. The carved and painted decoration on the model, especially the figurehead, which represents Achilles dragging the body of Hector round Troy by the heels, is of high quality. On the taffrail, situated above the open stern galleries, is the bust of William III supported by a variety of figures from ancient mythology as well as a wealth of foliage and putti. William’s monogram ‘WR’ has been incorporated into balustrade on the open gallery of the grand cabin below. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection Object: SLR0222 Artist: unknown Date: circa 1740 Medium: boxwood; pine; fruitwood; bone; brass; mica; paint; varnish Size: 440 mm x 1365 mm x 320 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.