The composite scene.

The background, which was used for two other scenes.

The figures.

The detail shots of the vial as found and as used.

Illustrations for the Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico: Medicine Vial Scene and Details (2008)
Ink, watercolor, and gouache on Bristol board
8" x 6"

Still images © 2008 E. J. Barnes. Animation © 2009 Monadnock Media.

Commissioned by Monadnock Media of Sunderland, MA, for the Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile, AL.

The illustrations shown here were designed to be part of the Discovery Creek exhibit, highlighting six artifacts found near the Dog River on Mobile Bay. This sequence shows a medicine vial (or bottle) that was used in the French-speaking colony there in the early 18th century.

The same background was used for other scenes depicting other periods, with the figures superimposed. The detail illustrations of the vial as found, and as it might have appeared when in use, were used in the animation sequence that will be part of the interactive exhibit.

View animated sequence here (30.8Mb).