US Marine First Issue of Uniforms

Overview

Medium: Oil on canvas, folk art

Size with frame: 39 inches height and 46 inches wide

Size of exposed canvas front only in frame: 28 1/2 inches height x 35 3/4 inches wide

Approximate date: 1798-1806

Artist: Unknown

The oil on canvas remains in the original frame since purchased July 1927. The painting and frame will remain together.

Frame identification: There is a partly readable label located on the back that reads: Sammons, Clark & Co, 197 & 199 South Clinton St, Chicago, IL, Mouldings.

A journal article about the folk art picture was published in the "International Military Collector and Historian," Volume 56, Number 2, Summer 2004.

The following pages are research and documentation of this early painting depicting an American Marine action. This includes a copy of the article published, "US Marines First Issue of Uniforms Folk Art, Artist Unknown, approx. date 1798-1806."

Academic Research

The painting depicts a Port Plate harbor scene, approximately May 1800. The work was examined using UV and raking light analysis to document its condition and construction.

Historic Research

The painting documents an early episode in United States Marine Corps history. Historical references include documentation from the USS Constitution log and Navy archives related to the Puerto Plata expedition. Five key historical references connect the painting's subject matter to documented military events of the period.

Condition Statement

The painting is in good condition. The linen canvas shows no repairs. There is some varnish clouding consistent with the age of the work.

Provenance

The painting's provenance traces to the Lininger Estate Sale of 1927. George Washington Lininger was a prominent art collector. The work has been in continuous private ownership since its acquisition at that estate sale.

Published Journal Article

A comprehensive journal article about this painting was published in the "International Military Collector and Historian," Volume 56, Number 2, Summer 2004. The article details the research findings including the identification of the uniforms depicted as the first issue of United States Marine Corps uniforms, the historical context of the scene portrayed, and the folk art characteristics of the work.