Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Golden Hinde" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. On December 13, 1577, in a boat less than the size of a small modern tug, Francis Drake set sail from England on a daring three-year odyssey that would take him into oceans hitherto explored only by the Spanish. Drake and about 160 men ventured forth in five vessels: the Pelican (which he later renamed the Golden Hinde), the Elizabeth, the Marigold, and the supply ships Swan and Benedict. Of the five, only the Golden Hinde, with a crew of about 50, completed the voyage. After passing safely through violent storms in the Strait of Magellan, Drake raided Spanish settlements along the west coast of South America. Drake captured two vessels with cargoes of gold, silver and jewels that were so heavy, they caused the Golden Hinde to sail below her watermark. Continuing northward, Drake sighted what is now Canada's west coast. But bitter cold forced him to turn back, and he set a course south and westward to the Philippines and Molucca (the Spice Islands), where he negotiated a trade treaty with the local sultan. From Java to Sierra Leone on the Cape of Good Hope -- 9,700 miles -- Drake sailed without a port of call or a stop for maintenance. On his return to England in September of 1580, he was greeted as a national hero. Queen Elizabeth I came on board his ship to dub him Sir Francis Drake. His fortune and reputation as a brilliant navigator were made -- and the way was opened to England to become a global superpower. Image Size: 15 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 16.5 x 14.5 in. Unframed. (B06810)