The Sailor's Farewell

The print shows a sailor bidding farewell to a woman by the seashore. The woman grasps his hand and looks at him intently. Her female companion stands behind her with one hand raised to her face. The sailor gazes back at his sweetheart but has one foot in a boat, which contains three other men. In the sea, two ships are at anchor.

This print was published in 1795 by Laurie and Whittle. Below the illustration is the poem ‘Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-ey’d Susan’ by John Gay, an English poet and dramatist. In the poem, Susan boards William’s ship anxiously searching for him. He descends from the rigging and professes his love and faithfulness to her. He tells her not to listen to those who say that sailors are unfaithful and vows to remain true to her, reassuring he will return despite the challenges of seafaring.