Portrait of the British Schooner "ESTHER"

Oil on canvas, 19th century Signed indistinctly lower right "Wm Mc *****" and dated

Painting: 21" x 28.5"
Frame: 27" x 34.25"

Ship portraits, such as this, were commissioned by the new owner often time itinerant artists who traveled around different boat builders looking for work. They documented exactly what the ship looked like with full sails, flags and rigging so if a boat was lost at sea the portrait could be presented to their insurance agent.