Oval Miniature on ivory of a Sea Captain with ship
Entry/Object ID
2023.4.3
Description
Kelton Foundation notes: Miniature on ivory of a sea captain with ship in background. This is an early China
Trade ivory miniature. The style of the art and the type of the ship indicate its early date. The case
may be a re-mount. (per Carl Crossman) The style of this miniature is similar to that of the
miniature of George Davidson who accompanied the Columbia on her record voyage to China and
around the world (for an example see p.175 John Frazier Henry, 'Early Marine Artists of the Pacific
Northwest' Univ. of Washington Press, Seattle 1984). The ship in the background could be the
Columbia (see example in above book on p.176-178 and 182). The portrait could be of one
captain Robert Grey (see example on p.178) or his first officer Robert Haswell (see example on
p.179). Columbia went to China 1789-90 under Robert Grey. Robert Haswell was his first mate
on 2nd and possibly first trip. John Kendrch followed a letter dates the same year in the lady
Washington. Grey made an 2nd visit in the Columbia in 1792-93. George Davidson accompanied
voyage as artist.
