William Pierce Stubbs was born in Orrington, Maine, in 1842. He was the son of a shipmaster, and he was probably master of his father's ship from 1863-73. By 1871 he painted what is likely his first ship portrait, and by 1876 he was listed as a marine painter in the Boston city directory. While there, Stubbs shared a studio with Wesley Webber. Later, he had studios in Boston, and Charlestown where it is likely that Badger was his student.

After the death of his wife and daughter, Stubbs sank into a manic depression, and spoke of "spirit magnetism." He was committed in 1894 to Worcester State Hospital, and then to the Medfield State Hospital in 1899. He later died there, in 1909. Stubbs participated in the International Marine Exhibi...