Gordon Grant (1875-1962)

Gordon Hope Grant was a renowned American marine artist, illustrator, and painter, best known for his iconic watercolor of the USS Constitution. Born in San Francisco in 1875 and educated in Scotland, Grant later studied at Heatherley School of Fine Art and Lambeth School of Art in London. After returning to San Francisco, he began his career as an illustrator for newspapers, before moving to New York City in 1896 to pursue illustration professionally.

Following his service in World War I, Grant became highly regarded for his nautical art, including marine paintings, etchings, and illustrations for books with maritime themes. He illustrated popular works such as Penrod, created magazine covers for publications like the Saturday Evening Post, and contributed artwork to Boys' Life magazine. In 1911, he designed the original cover for the first Boy Scout Handbook, cementing his legacy in American youth culture.

During his later years, Grant lived and worked in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Rocky Neck, where he captured the local harbor scenes and New England coastal life in his watercolors. He was also a prolific WWI poster artist, creating powerful wartime propaganda pieces.

Grant was a member of numerous art societies and exhibited widely. His work is included in prestigious collections such as the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.