Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton Collection

Thus Did A Hundred Men Keep Three Thousand Savages At Bay, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Thus Did A Hundred Men Keep Three Thousand Savages At Bay, c1908, (c1920). In 1877, Theophilus Shepstone (1817-1893) a British South African statesman was responsible for the annexation of

Driving A Cow Before Her, Laura Secord Passed The American Sentries, c1909, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Driving A Cow Before Her, Laura Secord Passed The American Sentries, c1909, (c1920). Laura Secord (1775-1868) Canadian heroine of the War of 1812

Van Riebeck Entertains the Hottentots, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Van Riebeck Entertains the Hottentots, 1909. In 1651 Van Riebeck (1619-1677), volunteered to undertake the command of the initial Dutch settlement in the future South Africa

The Voor-Trekkers, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
The Voor-Trekkers, 1909. The Voortrekkers mainly consisted of Trekboer pastoralists and Cape Dutch citizens from the Eastern frontier of the Cape Colony who during the 1830s

The Women Loaded the Empty Guns, 1909. Armed conflict, first with the Matabele people under Mzilikazi in the area which was to become the Transvaal, then against the Zulus under Dingane

1820 Settlers and their Boer Convoys, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
1820 Settlers and their Boer Convoys, 1909. From Romance of Empire - South Africa by Ian D. Colwin. [T. C. & E. C. Jack, London, 1909]

General Janssens at the Battle of Blaauwberg, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
General Janssens at the Battle of Blaauwberg, 1909. The Battle of Blaauwberg, also known as the Battle of Cape Town, was fought near Cape Town on 8th January 1806

Simon van der Stel and the Rhinoceros, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Simon van der Stel and the Rhinoceros, 1909. Simon van der Stel (1639-1712) was the last Commander and first Governor of the Cape Colony

How Table Mountain got its Cloud, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
How Table Mountain got its Cloud, 1909. Myth has it that Table Mountains tablecloth was caused by a smoking contest between the devil and a legendary local pirate Van Hunks

A Large Lion sprung upon one of the Men, 1909. Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
A Large Lion sprung upon one of the Men, 1909. From Romance of Empire - South Africa by Ian D. Colwin. [T. C. & E. C. Jack, London, 1909]

Springtime in Brittany (Quimperle), 1911, (1913). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Springtime in Brittany (Quimperle), 1911, (1913). From With Pen and Camera in Three Continents by Charles J. S. Makin, F.I.C. F.C.S. [The Tribune Publishing Company, London, 1913]

British Soldiers Were Seen Fighting Their Way Through The Streets, 1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
British Soldiers Were Seen Fighting Their Way Through The Streets, 1908, (c1920). The Siege of Lucknow occurred during the Indian Rebellion of 1857

Tippoo Sultans Body Was Found Buried Beneath Those Of His Followers, 1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Tippoo Sultans Body Was Found Buried Beneath Those Of His Followers, 1908, (c1920). The death of Tipu Sultan (1750-1799) a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, a kingdom of southern India

Crushed by Rolling Stones, Mown Down by Volleys of Musket-Shot The Men Fell In Hundreds, 1908, (c1920). The First Afghan War 1839-1842, ended with an Afghan victory and a decimated British Army

Clive Fired One of the Guns Himself, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Clive Fired One of the Guns Himself, c1908, (c1920). The Siege of Arcot (23 September-14 November 1751) took place at Arcot

Sir Thomas Stood Before The Mogul, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Sir Thomas Stood Before The Mogul, c1908, (c1920). Thomas Roe (1581-1644), English diplomat of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods

The Bullock-Waggons Wound Slowly Over The Billowy Plains, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
The Bullock-Waggons Wound Slowly Over The Billowy Plains, c1908, (c1920). The Great Trek was an eastward and north-eastward emigration away from the British Cape Colony during the 1830s

Where Now The Great City of Cape Town Stands, They Set Up Their Tents And Huts, c1908, (c1920). The Cape Colony 1652-1691, South Africa

Shouting Their War-Cry, The British Charged The Breach, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Shouting Their War-Cry, The British Charged The Breach, c1908, (c1920). Hone Wiremu Heke Pokai (c1808-1850), Maori Rangatira (chief) and war leader in Northern New Zealand

Cook Told The Maoris That He Had Come To Set A Mark Upon Their Islands, c1908, (c1920). James Cook (1728-1779) British explorer, navigator, cartographer, and captain in the Royal Navy

The Coach Would Be Held-Up and All The Passengers Robbed, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
The Coach Would Be Held-Up and All The Passengers Robbed, c1908, (c1920). Bushrangers originally referred to escaped convicts from the British colonial settlement, living in the Australian Bush

Natives Gathered Round Them, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Natives Gathered Round Them, c1908, (c1920). Captain Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), English navigator and cartographer, who was the first to circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a continent

All Day Long The Sound of the Pick and the Rumble of the Cradle Were Heard, c1908, (c1920). An illustration of men mining for gold. From Our Empire Story, by H. E. Marshall

Alone Across The Trackless Snow, c1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
Alone Across The Trackless Snow, c1908, (c1920). Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, or Robert de La Salle (1643-1687), French explorer

These Cruel Men Meant To Turn Hudson Adrift On The Icy Waters, 1907, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
These Cruel Men Meant To Turn Hudson Adrift On The Icy Waters, 1907, (c1920). Henry Hudson (c1560-1611), English Sea Explorer and navigator of the early 17th century

No Man Was Safe, No Life Was Safe, 1908, (c1920). Artist: Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton
No Man Was Safe, No Life Was Safe, 1908, (c1920). Madeleine de Vercheres (1678-1747) of New France (Quebec) was credited with thwarting a raid on Fort Vercheres when she was 14 years old

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Joseph Ratcliffe Skelton was a talented artist known for his captivating and detailed paintings. His works depicted various historical events, showcasing the bravery and resilience of individuals in challenging situations. In "Thus Did A Hundred Men Keep Three Thousand Savages At Bay, " Skelton skillfully portrays the intense struggle between a small group of men and a large number of savages. The painting captures the tension and determination on both sides, highlighting the incredible feat achieved by these brave defenders. Another remarkable piece by Skelton is "Driving A Cow Before Her, Laura Secord Passed The American Sentries. " This artwork depicts an inspiring act of courage as Laura Secord fearlessly navigates through enemy lines to deliver vital information. Skelton's attention to detail brings this historical moment to life, emphasizing Secord's resourcefulness and determination. Skelton also delves into South African history with his painting "Van Riebeck Entertains the Hottentots. " Here, he showcases Jan van Riebeeck's efforts to establish relationships with indigenous people during Dutch colonization. Through vibrant colors and intricate details, Skelton captures the cultural exchange that took place during this significant period in South Africa's past. "The Women Loaded the Empty Guns" is another powerful artwork by Skelton that highlights women's contribution during times of conflict. With great skill, he portrays their strength and resilience as they play an essential role in defending their community against danger. Skelton showcases his versatility with pieces like "Springtime in Brittany (Quimperle). " In this tranquil scene, he transports viewers to a peaceful countryside filled with blooming flowers and picturesque landscapes. It demonstrates his ability to capture beauty beyond historic events.