John Sakeouse, dressed in thick oil skins, is shown holding a
harpoon. He arrived in the port of Leith, having stowed away on
board the 'Thomas and Ann'. He used the harbour to demonstrate
his prowess with a harpoon, which was widely acclaimed. Nasmyth
painted this small portrait in 1814, capturing not only his
appearance but something of his strength of character. Sakeouse
also took drawing lessons from Nasmyth. Sakeouse joined the
arctic explorer, Captain John Ross, on his expedition in search
of the North West Passage. He visited London before returning to
Leith where he died of typhoid.