The ships 'Race-horse' and 'Carcass' of Captain Phipps' expedition embedded in ice in the Polar Regions
1774
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1774
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows two big wooden ships stuck in icy water. The ships have tall masts with lots of ropes and sails, but they’re trapped near jagged ice chunks. On the shore, a few small figures walk or stand—one holds a long pole, maybe to measure something. The ships are named *Race-horse* and *Carcass*, part of an Arctic trip led by Captain Phipps. The artist used soft watercolors to show the cold, pale light of the icy scene. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this painting in person.
