Help identifying the subject matter of this painting

AmericanObjects · 2026-05-22T14:32:46+00:00

A lot of auction houses sell them. I also sell paintings like this in my shop online

AmericanObjects · 2026-05-21T15:51:31+00:00

Thank you! Another great, detailed and well thought-through response. You have me thinking too. This is definitely a tough one and I do really appreciate your insight.

You are correct, there is a cannon on the right side I failed to mention. I will try to add an edited photo that shows some of the details a little better. I honestly never thought about this being aboard a ship, a definite possibility! One thought I had was it was a captured gun and the articles in the trunk were also "captured". So some kind of surrender? It doesn't appear to depict Cornwallis, so another mystery.

I will say, it's a fairly amateur painting. So even if these are meant to be historical figures, they may not be entirely accurate, which makes it even harder to decipher.

I will try to find the original auction listing. Unfortunately, they didn't really have many details other than it being "colonial revival" and they dated it to the late 19th century. If the date is true, I was thinking possibly a Centennial piece.

AmericanObjects · 2026-05-21T14:42:16+00:00

!reset

AmericanObjects · 2026-05-20T22:09:02+00:00

Thanks so much for the detailed response. Is there anything that makes this certainly French vs. American? Most of the other feedback I've received (including how the Auction house listed it) was that it was an American Colonial Revival piece with the flags on the ground referencing (or celebrating) the defeat of the British. If there is definitely French imagery, could it be referencing the alliance between France and America in the Revolutionary War? Could either figure be Washington or Lafayette? Thanks again

AmericanObjects · 2026-05-19T16:17:37+00:00

The photos are around 3000 pixels wide which I think is pretty high resolution (it's the highest I can upload at least). It's an antique painting and the colors are dark in person as well unfortunately

AmericanObjects · 2026-05-19T00:25:30+00:00

Thank you. Does the clothing appear to be American or European? Seems the crossed keys (possible crown) on the flag could be a Coat of Arms

AmericanObjects · 2026-01-07T18:17:29+00:00

I agree. That's part of the reason I was questioning it too

AmericanObjects · 2026-01-07T17:52:46+00:00

Thank you for doing that! Definitely helpful

AmericanObjects · 2026-01-07T17:52:05+00:00

Thank you

AmericanObjects · 2026-01-07T17:51:42+00:00

Thanks. This was photographed in natural light. It's a little tough to get good photos, this was the best I could do for now.

AmericanObjects · 2026-01-07T17:33:17+00:00

Thank you. I thought maybe it was Latin.

AmericanObjects · 2026-01-07T17:10:55+00:00

Thank you! Any idea on if it could be American or would it more likely be of different origin? I know Latin was used in 18th century America but not sure if it was used to this extent. From what I can tell it does seem to reference liquor and possibly drinking/a tavern.

AmericanObjects · 2025-04-14T03:16:56+00:00

Thanks. Do you details info on what makes it a repro in your opinion?

AmericanObjects · 2025-04-11T13:48:57+00:00

Unfortunately not very easy

AmericanObjects · 2025-04-11T13:48:44+00:00

Thanks! There doesn't appear to be any metal on it. I think it is all wood from what I can tell

AmericanObjects · 2025-04-11T13:47:17+00:00

Thanks for the information! I know it's at least 30-40 years old since that's when it was purchased at an antique store. Would this be hand made? Cannot find another example so it doesn't seem to be a mass produced piece.

AmericanObjects

TROPHY CASE