There’s something special about seeing two historic ships sharing the same stretch of water, and Anthony D. Blake captures that magic perfectly in his painting of the yacht America passing the USS Constitution near Newport, Rhode Island in 1865.
Blake, a New Zealander born in 1951, has a real gift for maritime art. He’s known for bringing historical ships to life with an eye for detail that makes you feel like you’re right there on the water with them. His paintings don’t just look good; they tell a story.
In this painting, we see the America gliding effortlessly across the water, her sails full and her design sleek. She looks fast, even when standing still. Next to her, the USS Constitution — “Old Ironsides” — feels like a proud old warrior, bigger and heavier, still holding her own. The scene is set against a gorgeous sunset sky, with the light reflecting off the water in just the right way to make everything feel alive.
Blake does a great job of making the whole scene feel real without overdoing it. The clouds, the waves, the ships themselves — they all look like they belong. You can almost hear the creaking wood and feel the salty air. In the background, there’s a hint of the growing industrial world onshore, reminding us that times were changing fast.
What I really appreciate about this painting is how Blake strikes a balance. It’s beautiful and a little nostalgic, but it’s also grounded. The details are spot-on, from the rigging to the way the ships sit in the water. He respects the history without making it look like a fantasy.
All in all, “Yacht America Crossing USS Constitution, Newport, RI, 1865” is a wonderful piece. It’s not just a snapshot of two famous ships — it’s a glimpse into a world that was moving from old traditions into something new. If you love maritime history, sailing, or just good storytelling through art, this painting is definitely worth a closer look.
