This is a wonderful early War of 1812 depiction of the Constitution & Java. This was one of the famous naval battles during the War of 1812. The painting depicts the two ships firing on each other. The Constitution with the “Stars and Stripes” and the Java with the English Jack. The cannon are clearly visible from the ships. The painter, George Ropes, was from Salem Massachusetts. He was deaf from birth. He specialized in ship portraits. His work can be found at the Peabody Essex Museum. Ropes, one of nine children, had an interest in nautical subjects from his childhood as his father was a sea captain. In 1897, when Ropes was 19 years old, he began supporting the family because his father died at sea. He began his career as a sign and carriage painter in Salem and also did landscapes. His teacher, beginning in 1802, was Michele Felice Corne (1742-1832) from Rhode Island. His works hang in museums such as the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. The piece is framed in 19th century gold gilt frame. The entire piece measures 25 ¼ x 19 ¼ inches. The painting has significant fading. The flags may have been retouched in the 19th or early 20th century. The paper was unfortunately pasted on a later backing. There are some tears in the painting, one is large and has been repaired. Overall, it is a wonderful early Naval scene by one of the best East Coast American artists.