A portrait of the Kalmar Nyckel, official tall ship of the state of Delaware, hypothetically painted under different colors as a pirate vessel.

In this guise she could have been commanded by the infamous pirate John Ward in the 16th century. (Ward subsequently became the historical inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.) She's a full-rigged pinnace—a build favored in shallow northern waters for her minimal draft and maneuverability.

This painting was originally completed in watercolor and ink on 300lb hot press paper.