A familiar illustration appears to show a trial or proposed configuration rather than the ship's normal service appearance. The available evidence indicates that the yards and sails were removed during construction or, at most, fitted briefly for trials. Imperieuse therefore did not conduct her active career under the full brig sailing rig shown in the image. Later views show the service configuration more clearly: one military mast and no operational sailing rig.
Notable Point · 13:32-14:21
The sailing rig that disappeared before service
Period illustrations can mislead: the video argues that Imperieuse's yards and sails were removed during construction or only appeared on trials.