After returning home, the Mayflower was again employed on a trip to France, bringing home to London a cargo of salt. Shortly after, her master and quarter-owner, Christopher Jones, fell sick. He would die in March 1623. My painting shows the Mayflower in 1624, sitting in ruins in the river Thames. The sunset is symbolic of the end of the life of the vessel. The Port of London is in the background, soon to exploit the riches of the New World, unaware of the historic importance of the decaying hulk in its midst. The Mayflower was valued for a pathetically low �128, including 5 anchors, the suit of worn sails and an old pitch pot and kettle (a large cauldron). Undoubtedly the ship was sold off as scrap lumber.
Painting by Dr. Mike Haywood
www.mikehaywoodart.co.uk
Used With Permission
