Peter Pett, 1610-70, and the Sovereign of the Seas.

Repro ID: BHC2949

Description: This portrait was painted soon after Lely, a Dutchman, arrived in England in 1643. Launched in 1637, the 'Sovereign of the Seas' was the pride of Charles I's navy. She was built by Peter Pett at Woolwich to the design and under the supervision of his father, Phineas. The ship's decorations were devised by the playwright Thomas Heywood. The Petts were a large and powerful shipbuilding family of the 17th century. They held many of the important posts at the Deptford and Woolwich dockyards.

Creator: Sir Peter Lely, 1618-80

Date: c.1643

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London