Ship Harmony of Hull, William John Huggins, circa 1880

Ship 'harmony' of hull, pictured with her may day garland hoisted halfway up the main-topgallant stay. These garlands were made of ribbons and usually had a model of the ship in the center. -- in this picture it's above -- they were never removed until the whaler arrived home. The may day celebration consisted of an initiation of first-time sailors similar to that inflicted in the crossing of the equator ceremony. Object Type: painting. Date: circa 1880. Dimensions: height: 16 in (40.6 cm); width: 24.5 in (62.2 cm). Medium: oil on canvas. Depicted Place: Davis Strait. Ship 'Harmony' of Hull