Engraving, Portrait of Jonathan Hulls, circa 1825

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Artifact Overview

This portrait depicts Jonathan Hulls, a British inventor. Often considered the first person to devise plans for a steamboat, he obtained a patent in 1736 for a machine to carry "ships and vessels out of and into any harbour, port, or river against wind and tide or in a calm." There is no evidence that his project was ever built.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Print (Visual work)

Date Made

circa 1825

Subject Date

circa 1736

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

82.129.729

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard

Technique

Copper engraving (Printing process)

Dimensions

Height: 12 in
Width: 8.75 in

Inscriptions

Description beneath: Hulls, Jonathan. Englishman. Took out an English patent for a steamboat in 1736. There is no contemporary proof that his projected boat was ever built. Copperplate. On India Paper. Date: about 1825
Engraving, Portrait of Jonathan Hulls, circa 1825