A Life of Engineering and Art
Thomas Craskell was a British engineer and painter who was active in Jamaica during the eighteenth century. His professional life was marked by his role as a military engineer; he served as a lieutenant in the Engineer Corps during the invasions of Martinique and Guadeloupe in early 1759 under Major-General Peregrine Hopson. Beyond his military and engineering pursuits, Craskell was a marine painter whose work was characterized by a precise rendering of naval sails and rigging. His career in maritime art saw him working alongside Peter Monamy and Samuel Scott during the mid-eighteenth century.
In addition to his artistic and military endeavors, Craskell was involved in significant cartographic work. From 1756 to 1761, he worked with James Simpson to conduct a survey of Jamaica, a project that resulted in three maps which could be combined to create an overall map. Furthermore, in 1758, he began the supervision of the King's House in Spanish Town.
Known Works and Legacy
There are only four known works by Thomas Craskell. His surviving paintings include:
Craskell died in 1790. His son, also named Thomas Craskell, served as a captain in the army and was appointed as the superintendent general of the Maroons, succeeding Major John James.
Questions & Answers
What moods do Thomas Craskell's artworks express?
Thomas Craskell's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.
Where can I see all artworks by Thomas Craskell?
Every work by Thomas Craskell on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
Where are Thomas Craskell's artworks grouped by palette?
To find works by Thomas Craskell in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.
Where can I see Thomas Craskell's artworks in chronological order?
A timeline of Thomas Craskell's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.
