New cover art - A Notable Occupation

In this third part of my series on the new cover art for my novels I am featuring A Notable Occupation. First, I'd like to thank Jenny Quinlan of Historical Editorial for her beautiful cover. She also did the cover art for Hope of Israel and Legend of the Dead, featured in previous posts.

Top image: "Emma Hart as Ariadne" by George Romney. This portrait struck me as that of a troubled young woman. It's perfect for Rachel, the main character stuck in a violent marriage and struggling to survive the British occupation of Newport, RI during the American War for Independence.

"Emma Hart as Ariadne" 1785

Lower image: "Andrew Doria" by Phillips Melville. This painting fits the novel perfectly. A Notable Occupation is set during the British occupation of Newport, RI and of St. Eustatius in the Dutch Antilles. I love how this painting shows off the unique landscape of St. Eustatius - the dormant volcano called the Quill at one end, little Boven Mountain at the other end, and a low area, 'the dip', in between them.

The Dutch governor of St. Eustatius was the first to acknowledge American sovereignty by saluting the American flag in 1776. British officials called for Governor de Graffe's arrest, but he was given a light reprimand and allowed to continue governing the colony until the British captured it in 1781.

"Andrew Doria" date unknown

From wikimedia: Painting by Phillips Melville, depicting Continental Brig Andrew Doria receiving a salute from the Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, West Indies, 16 November 1776. The artist shows the "Grand Union" flag flying at Andrew Doria's stern and foremast peak. Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C.