Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "Vega/Soviet Sailing Ship" Oil on masonite painting. Signed lower right. Collection label verso. The lovely three-masted Vega barkentine . . . speeding before the trade-winds and deeply laden down to her loadline . . . the seas would sweep over and fill her decks when rough weather was encountered . . . but with her hatches battened down and all openings secured, the little Vega was as unassailable as a submarine. The evolution of the barkentine was facilitated by the fact that fewer crew members were needed to maintain the sailing rig as opposed to the more heavily canvassed vessels such as the bark. Thus, the elegant Vega barkentine was built at the beginning of the 20th century, christened the Tara, and used as a bulk cargo ship. In 1928, this 132 foot, 880 ton vessel was re-equipped for training purposes and was given the name Vega in honor of the beautiful bright star in the heavens. While in service, the Vega often appeared in motion pictures worldwide, two of which were The Children of Captain Grant and the classic Treasure Island. The Vega continued her leisurely life as a Soviet training vessel and motion picture starlette until 1942, when she perished in the vicinity of Gelendzhik after a raid of German divebombers. The grace and glory of a great sailing ship alone on the ocean waves is one of the dramatic sights in the world and the brilliant Vega barkentine was indeed a magnificent sight to behold as she rolled and swayed chasing the horizon. Overall size: 25 x 27 in. Unframed.