Walt & Pete

Célibataire 020 – Bearded Sailor in Straw Hat | Vintage Maritime Portrait Framed Canvas Wall Art

A broad woven straw hat creates a textured silhouette above a bearded face. Célibataire 020 presents a man in white sailor clothing against a pale background, reproduced from a restored historical photograph as framed matte canvas wall art.

The original catalogue estimates the photograph to circa 1895–1905 and records a studio imprint from Wei-hai-wei. The mount is absent from this restored version, and supplied transcriptions differ on the photographer’s name. The sitter’s identity, nationality, ship, and service affiliation remain undocumented.

His shoulders face the camera while his gaze falls slightly to the side. A striped sailor collar frames the pale jumper, with dark neckwear and a light cord or lanyard arranged across the chest. The woven straw hat, described in the supplied research as a sennit hat, provides a contrasting surface above the softly rendered clothing.

This vintage photograph is part of the Walt & Pete® Célibataire Collection, a series featuring individual male subjects in studio and outdoor settings. For contemporary collectors, including the LGBTQ+ community, these portraits invite reflection on individuality, visibility, and belonging. The collection name refers to one man pictured; it does not establish his relationship status or sexuality.

In the restored version, cream, straw brown, and muted blue-gray create a restrained palette. Display it in a study, bedroom, library, or maritime gallery wall, where the portrait’s hat texture, facial hair, and clothing details can be appreciated.

Forgotten Moments, Forever Remembered.

Original Photograph Record

Title: Studio Portrait of a Bearded Sailor Wearing a Straw Hat

Date: Circa 1895–1905

Photographer: Shui Tong (as printed on mount)

Reported Address: No. 16, Seymour St., Wei-hai-wei,

Medium: Gelatin silver print mounted on card (cabinet card format)

Dimensions: Cabinet card format, 4 1/4 × 6 1/2 inches

Why You’ll Love It

Distinctive portrait detail: A beard, mustache, and slightly averted gaze define the face.
Textured straw hat: The broad woven form gives the portrait a memorable silhouette.
Maritime clothing: A striped collar, dark neckwear, and light lanyard enrich the composition.
Contemporary connection: Welcomes LGBTQ+ collectors and historical photography enthusiasts.
Versatile display: Complements a study, bedroom, library, or nautical gallery wall.

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