Robert Salmon (England/Massachusetts, 1775-1848) Portrait of the Corsair, John Paul Jones (1747-1792)

Description:

Robert Salmon (England/Massachusetts, 1775-1848)

Portrait of the Corsair, John Paul Jones (1747-1792)
Signed, dated and inscribed "No 627, Painted by Robert Salmon/1828" (on the reverse)
Oil on panel, 17 x 16 in., in a giltwood and gesso frame.
Condition: Inpainting in two vertical lines, scattered spots, and several small areas.

Literature: John Wilmerding,Robert Salmon, Painter of Ship & Shore (1971),pp. 26, 33-34, 90, illus. p. 26.

Exhibited: Robert Salmon, The First Major Exhibition, no. 35

Note: This painting, reportedly the only known portrait by Robert Salmon, is recorded as a portrait of "Paull Gomes" (reportedly a mis-transcription) in Salmon's Catalogue of Paintings. Salmon would have been educated on the British view of Jones: one of traitorous villainy, a view which persisted for decades after Jones's attack on Whitehaven in 1778. As Salmon emigrated to the United States in 1828, he reportedly painted this engraving-ready portrait "on spec," thinking it might appeal to (and form a bond with) his new American audience. It seems that he overestimated the market for works depicting Jones, who, though still very well-known in England, had been long-forgotten in America. Information provided by the consignor (which is the source of much of the above) is avaible for review.
Estimate $1,500-2,500


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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