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Portrait Of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, Officer Of The Federal Navy (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Portrait Of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, Officer Of The Federal Navy (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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Portrait Of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, Officer Of The Federal Navy (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This is a formal studio portrait of Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, rendered in black and white and framed upright as a record of a naval officer at the height of his career.

Visual Elements & Composition

Tones run from pale grey through charcoal to deep black, and the figure dominates the vertical frame. The soft greys give the image a quiet, documentary weight, and the seated pose in a carved wooden armchair anchors the figure low and steady. A patterned rug and the studio backdrop recede into shadow, leaving the face and upper body as the clear focal point. The image carries no lettering; the name supplies the identity.

Meaning & Symbolism

Wilkes led the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838 to 1842, a voyage that charted large stretches of the Antarctic coast and the Pacific, and his survey work remains part of the record of American exploration. During the Civil War he drew national attention in 1861 when his squadron stopped the British mail steamer Trent and seized two Confederate envoys, a move that brought the United States and Britain close to war before the envoys were released. The portrait's stillness and formal bearing reflect the Federal Navy's image of disciplined authority during a period of intense national conflict.

Portrait in Hand

A mug is turned in the hand rather than viewed from across a room, so the portrait reveals itself a section at a time as the cup rotates, with the face returning to view as you lift it for a sip. The curved surface keeps the frame's vertical lines and the tonal shifts working together, so the officer's upright stance holds its shape as the image wraps around the cylinder. It is a history held close, turned over with each morning cup.

Size

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Glossy black ceramic mugs in two practical sizes — 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml). Comfortable C-handle, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and manufactured to be lead- and BPA-free. Note: printed blacks may read slightly different from the mug’s base color.

These mugs are made from solid ceramic with a glossy glaze that gives a deep, even surface for printing. Sublimation printing embeds ink into the glaze so artwork sits smoothly on the mug rather than simply sitting on top — that means better resistance to fading and scratching during normal use.

They’re available in the classic 11-ounce size for everyday black coffee and tea, and a larger 15-ounce cup if you like extra room for milk, foam or a long pour. The C-shaped handle is wide enough for a secure grip and balances the mug well when full.

  • Material: 100% ceramic with a high-gloss finish for punchy, saturated results.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) — choose your routine size.
  • Printing: sublimation process fuses color into the glaze for durable imagery.
  • Safety: lead- and BPA-free; meets common food-contact safety standards.
  • Design note: very dark artwork and the mug’s black base can produce subtle shade differences — add a thin lighter outline to ensure contrast if needed.

These mugs are at home in the kitchen, on the office desk, or tucked into a morning routine. They work for espresso shots, pour-overs, oat-milk lattes — you name it. The larger size is handy when you want a second cup’s worth without a refill.

  1. Daily use: fill with your preferred brew and sip — the mug handles hot liquids safely.
  2. Office-friendly: fits most standard mug warmers and sits securely on communal trays and kitchen counters.
  3. Gifting: packs well (wrap with a soft layer) and pairs nicely with coffee beans, tea tins, or a small box of biscuits.

Practical tip: for very dark designs, try a thin light border or a small margin so the artwork reads cleanly against the black ceramic.

These mugs are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but gentle habits extend the life of the print. We recommend dishwasher use on the top rack and milder cycles when possible.

Hand-washing is the friendliest option: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads, or blasting with extremely hot industrial cycles. And a quick reminder — don’t microwave an empty mug.

Two sizes: 11 oz (approx. 330 ml) and 15 oz (approx. 440 ml). The smaller cup is the familiar, everyday size; the larger one is for fuller pours and extra-creamy drinks.

Each mug’s mouth and height are proportioned so they’re easy to drink from and easy to clean. If you’re pairing with saucers or nesting in cabinets, expect the 15 oz to be slightly wider and taller than the 11 oz.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.86 4.72
Diameter (in) 3.35 3.35
Diameter with handle (in) 4.72 5.12

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.