This early 19th-century oil painting, by an artist working in the circle of British artist Thomas Luny (1759-1837), depicts several vessels battling the elements amid a breeze.

Under a changeable sky, a Dutch Man-O’-War, with sails billowing, makes its way along the coastline - two further vessels heel amid challenging conditions. In the foreground, fishermen wait on a jetty, while beyond, a windmill provides further visual interest.

Stylistically, this piece is closely related to Thomas Luny, a prolific painter who produced a rich oeuvre of marine subjects during the late 18th and early 19th century. Indeed, a label on the reverse alludes to the painting being previously offered at Phillips auction, New York, as a fully attributed work. 

Born in Cornwall, Luny moved to London as a child and became the apprentice of Francis Holman. Like many of his contemporaries, he was heavily influenced by the 17th-century Dutch masters, such as Ludolf Backhuysen I (1630-1708) and Willem Van de Velde (1633-1707). At a time when Britain ruled the waves, numerous artists worked in this style.

Held in a handsome 19th-century gilt frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 43” x 31” / 109cm x 78cm
Year of creation: c. 1830
Labels & Inscriptions: Various inscriptions on the reverse. Label referring to a previous auction sale at Phillips, New York.
Provenance: Dr Lipmann (assumed to be of New York) / Phillips, New York (as a work by Thomas Luny) / Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Faint stretcher marks. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2188