Soleil Royal — French First-Rate Ship Model, Large | Admiral Line

A larger Soleil Royal, where the gilded work finally has room to be read rather than implied.

This is a ship that only makes sense at scale. The original's decoration was designed to be seen from a distance across water — tiers of sculpture stacked up the stern, sun motifs worked into every surface. Shrink it too far and it becomes texture. Build it large and it becomes architecture.

Construction

• Large plank-on-frame hull in western red cedar, rosewood and mahogany
• Three gun decks, individually fitted cast cannon, carved gunport surrounds
• Deep-carved and gilded stern gallery, quarter galleries, stern lanterns, beakhead and figurehead
• Three masts and bowsprit, full hand-knotted standing and running rigging with ratlines
• Hand-stitched linen sails on every yard
• Ship's boats, capstan, wheel, gratings, ladders and rails
• Metal anchors and wooden rudder
• Solid wood base and engraved brass nameplate

History

Launched at Brest in 1669 as the flagship of Louis XIV's navy, Soleil Royal was the French answer to English and Dutch first rates — heavier, and far more elaborately decorated than either. Under Tourville she fought at Beachy Head in 1690 and Barfleur in 1692. She was burned by fireships at Cherbourg days after Barfleur, having been driven ashore during the withdrawal.