s The return of the 'William Lee' from Calcutta entering the Humber Dock, Hull - Hull Museums Collections

The return of the 'William Lee' from Calcutta entering the Humber Dock, Hull

It is not known why Ward painted this second version of his own acknowledged masterpiece. Here, the 'William Lee' is displayed with her port side to the viewer. The brig 'Consort' and the keel are both absent and the other minor vessels rearranged. A copy of Ward's death certificate is adhered to the back of the picture panel and reads: '1849 deaths in the district of East Sculcoates in the County of York no. 124, 28 Sept. 1849, 2 North Street, John Ward marine painter, cholera, W. F. Settle present at the death…' Settle was Ward's cousin who in 1840, or 1841, joined him, first as his pupil, later becoming his assistant.