Gloucester Sea Serpent, 1817
Beautifully restored. Printed on archival paper for modern walls.
Archival print promise
- Museum-quality paper: rich color, fine detail, and a premium feel.
- Hand restored reproduction: repaired and improved for modern walls.
- Packed for safe delivery: unframed prints ship in sturdy tubes; framed prints ship in padded boxes.
This vintage illustration of Gloucester Harbour, Massachusetts was created in 1817 and published by the firm of B.S. Lane and J. Hare. This restored edition brings the historic Sea Serpent scene to life while preserving the original linework and the coiled serpent, rowing boats, harbour waters, distant town, and rolling coastal hills.
About This Historic Illustration
Drawn from a shoreline perspective and titled simply Sea Serpent, engraved from a drawing taken from life as it appeared in Gloucester Harbour in August 1817, this print presents the harbour in the early 19th century, when the sighting was shaped by its eyewitness accounts, fishing fleet, and New England coastal life. Across the scene, the great serpent arches through the waves as small boats full of onlookers row out toward it, with the town and hills of Gloucester spread along the far shore.
Notable features shown on the print include Gloucester Harbour, the crowded rowing boats, the distant waterfront of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and the wooded islets and hills that framed the harbour in 1817.
For anyone who loves Cape Ann, the folklore of the New England coast, or a good sea story passed down through generations, this print is more than a historic view. It captures the coiled serpent, the boatloads of curious onlookers, and the quiet harbour town that keep this legend alive around Gloucester.
A statement piece for any room, this reproduction is printed using KNOWOL's restored version of the 1817 Gloucester Sea Serpent illustration, preserving the historic character of the original while adding depth, warmth, and visual clarity. It makes a meaningful addition to a study, library, den, family room, coastal cottage, or local history collection.
The Details
About This Print
🌲 Gallery-Quality Materials: Archival matte paper and optional solid, sustainably sourced Ayous wood frame.
✨ Shatterproof Protection: Crystal-clear Acrylite shield blocks glare and resists damage.
🛠️ Ready to Hang: Arrives at your door fully assembled and ready for the wall.
📦 Fast & Safe Shipping: Securely packaged to ensure flawless delivery.
Materials & Craftsmanship
The Unframed Print
Carefully restored from the original artwork and reproduced using gallery-quality, fade-resistant inks. Printed on heavyweight, museum-grade archival paper, this is the ideal choice if you prefer to use your own custom frame. KNOWOL reproductions are beautifully restored works of art.
The Framed Upgrade
Crafted from solid Ayous wood sourced from renewable forests, a sustainable, exotic timber that is lightweight and incredibly warp-resistant. Featuring a sleek 0.75″ profile in your choice of finish. Protected by premium Acrylite. Unlike cheap, heavy glass, our Acrylite is shatterproof, exceptionally clear, and lightweight, ensuring your vintage map is protected for decades to come. All framing components are ethically sourced from Japan and the US. Framed prints arrive fully assembled with hanging hardware included. No frame shop, no assembly, no second trips.
Shipping & Delivery
Free U.S. Shipping: All orders ship 100% free within the United States.
Unframed Prints: Carefully rolled and shipped in a heavy-duty, crush-resistant mailing tube.
Framed Prints: Shipped in custom-built protective packaging engineered specifically to keep the frame corners and Acrylite cover in flawless condition during transit.
Turnaround Time: Most orders ship within 3–5 business days and arrive at your door within 7–10 business.
Returns & Quality Guarantee
Because every piece is custom-printed and framed to order exactly to your specifications, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges for a change of mind or sizing issues. However, we stand 100% behind our craftsmanship. If your art arrives damaged in transit or has a visible defect, email us a photo within 30 days and we will immediately expedite a flawless replacement. Quality guaranteed: the KNOWOL standard.