A fine work by this accomplished artist, with ships on the open coastal sea in the British channel. The preeminent English atmosphere of deep clouded skies and leeward chop of the channel have challenged sailors for centuries.
Here a brigantine is running strong with the prevailing current, a complete arrangement of sails gathering power to move her polite mass. With her square-rigged main and fore-and-aft mizzen, she would be capable of a stronger performance in a variety of sea and winds compared to the traditional cutter rigs.
While such yachts compete with her on this sea, a square-rigged steam-sail and the English workhorse, a dual sidewheel steamer, are also shown. The headlands have the feel of the Yarmouth area, if a bit too far off to accurately place the scene.
The painting contains the great quality of condition and composition which collectors should search for in their marine art.
