Stephen Decatur

Stephen Decatur Sr. 1752-1808
Born Newport, Rhode Island

Like his better-known son-the War of 1812's naval hero Stephen Decatur Jr.-Stephen Decatur Sr. played an important role in developing American maritime military strength. During the American Revolution he sailed both as a merchantman, bringing in vital supplies, and as a privateer, successfully taking many prize English vessels. In 1798, Decatur became an officer in the American navy, combating incursions by the French. Made after his retirement in 1801, this portrait by the popular émigré artist Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin clearly pleased Decatur. In addition to being engraved, copies of the engraving were hand-painted on two pieces of Chinese export porcelain: a punch bowl commissioned as a gift for him and a covered jug. It is seen here with a pendant portrait of his wife, Ann Pine Decatur.