Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "Victoria Sailing Ship" Signed lower right. Original Oil Painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Roanoke Voyages stamp issued July 13, 1984. Hoisting the flag of Spain, Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Seville to find a route to the Spice Islands -- by sailing west. At the outset, he commanded five proud ships: the Concepcion, San Antonio, Santiago, Victoria and his flagship Trinidad. Little did he know that at voyage's end his mighty fleet would be cut down to one vessel and a mere handful of sailors. Six thousand miles out, the ships wintered at San Julian Bay, far south on the South American coast. From there, Magellan struck out to accomplish the fleet's mission -- finding a strait which led to the sea of the Indies. On October 21, 1520, the jubilant explorer found the longed-for strait and sailed speedily around the tip of South America. However, his hopes for finding a quick route to India were soon dashed. Instead, he reached the vast Pacific . . . an ocean that nearly killed his crew through scurvy, lack of water and food. Finally, the starved, hollow-eyed men reached Guam, and salvation. But, they soon set sail again. And, after just one week at sea, Magellan sighted the Philippines. Tragically, Magellan was killed by natives on one of the lonely Philippine islands. By now, the ships were reduced to three. The crew continued on, finally reaching the Spice Islands where they loaded on cargo to take on to Spain. When the haggard men finally arrived home, only the Victoria remained. They had completed the unthinkable . . . they had become the first to sail around the world! Image Size: 18.5 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 26 x 24 in. Unframed. (B08482)