Model of the entance to the port of Marseille

Not to scale. A scenic model of the entrance to the port of Marseilles, Provence, France, in a bespoke display case and painted background. Sixteen vessels are depicted of a number of types, sizes, and countries of origin, as well as a number of small craft. A large first rate warship with a black and white hull, and flying a French tricolour, is depicted in the right-hand corner of the scene. To the left of the French warship is a three-masted lateen rigged boat and to the left of it, a US naval frigate. In the left hand corner of the scene a paddle vessel is depicted. All the models are set on a clear glass 'sea' edged with a fine embossed gold paper band and below which is a textured blue fabric. The view of Marseilles at the rear of the display case has been finely painted in watercolours and shows the harbour entrance with a lighthouse on its port side. The watercolour is framed with a gold embossed paper braid. The internal frame of the case is painted a French blue colour. The model can be removed from the case by taking off the front pane and sliding the model out by means of a small circular handle. On the front edge of the scenic base is a handwritten title on a black background edged in gold inscribed 'Vue De L'Entre du Port de Marseille Prise de la Rade'. Also applied to the front of the base is a wide embossed gold length of braid.

Original size: 415 mm x 705 mm x 490 mm