O. Carpentier, French Canadian School, early 19th century- Merchant brigs unloading goods with canoes near an encampment on a wooded shoreline; oil on unstretched canvas, signed 'O. Carpentier P.L.L.L.P.G.' (lower left), 97.5 x 156 cm., (unframed...

O. Carpentier, French Canadian School, early 19th century- Merchant brigs unloading goods with canoes near an encampment on a wooded shoreline; oil on unstretched canvas, signed 'O. Carpentier P.L.L.L.P.G.' (lower left), 97.5 x 156 cm., (unframed, rolled). Note: Merchant brigs were two-masted vessels rigged with square sails on both masts, and were principally used for coastal and other short trading voyages. The presence of canoes here implies a North American setting. The vessels each appear to be carrying two national flags and this would have been due to the fact that when entering foreign ports they were required to fly the national flag of the country they were entering, known as 'courtesy flags', in addition to their own. The ships appear to be flying the British Union flag and the flag of St George (the red Greek cross on the white field) on the foremasts, and the French National flag on the stem posts. The canoe alongside the vessel on the left appears to be off-loading cargo (possibly fur bales).
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