American School, early 19th Century Schoolgirl Watercolor Memorial to John Paul Jones.

Description:

American School, early 19th Century

Schoolgirl Watercolor Memorial to John Paul Jones. Unsigned. Watercolor and gouache on paper, depicting the figure of Liberty holding the shaft of the first Navy Jack, a red and white striped flag with a figure of a snake above the words "Don't Tread on Me, The flag shaft is topped with a Liberty cap. The figure is standing beside a monument depicting a portrait of John Paul Jones, identified in inscription below. Two ships sail in the sea in the background, sight size 10 1/4 x 9 in., in original oval eglomise mat and molded giltwood frame. Condition: Toning, foxing. Note: John Paul Jones (1747-1792) became known as the Father of the American Navy. The American Revolutionary War, fought on sea as well as on land, had a ragtag Continental Navy John Paul Jones, the first naval hero. He first stalked British ships around the Colonies, then went directly to Britain with command of the sloop Ranger. He also sailed to France and upon sailing into Quiberon Bay, France, Jones and Admiral La Motte Piquet exchanged gun salutes, the first time the flag of the new nation was recognized by a foreign government. Jones and hes crew raided the coastal population of Scotland and England and destroyed many British vessels. In his most famous battle Jones engaged the British merchant fleet led by the Serapis, in heavy combat for over three-and-one-half hours. In answer to his enemies demand for surrender, Jones's famous reply was "I have not yet begun to fight!" He eventually won the battle.

Provenance: An eastern Massachusetts cultural institution.
Estimate $20,000-30,000

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