This powerful and masterfully executed scene of smuggling on the high seas is among the most sought after works by maritime artist Montague Dawson. Dawson includes his signature hard driving ships on active seas and then elevates it further with dramatic on deck action and the narrative of a chase between smugglers and those guarding the British coast. Though Dawson was a prolific artist, very few of his works show action on deck, and fewer still show active fire.
We know of only a handful of other Dawson works that display such a precise view of action on deck, including the iconic "The Rising Wind", widely recognized due to prints featuring that painting.
As a young man Dawson's family lived in Southampton in the residence known then and now as "The Smuggler's House", and he served firsthand in the British Navy Reserve and was well familiar with the last sail/steam warships of the British Navy. Likely he'd have held sympathy for both crews he has painted in this masterpiece.
In an action taking place within the English Channel, British Coastguardsmen in a Revenue Cutter have sighted and sprung upon a smuggler's brigantine. It's likely the painting is set on the approach to Deal, a known haven for smugglers. A full crew stands on the Revenue Cutter's deck, several aft at the helm and many more forward to sight and fire upon their retreating quarry. As the portside cannon fires, the men appear ready to spring into action to alter course or to fight if they can only reach their foes. Dawson has the full moonlight gloriously highlighting the ships and sea, making the potentially deadly action radiate with the romance of adventure on the high seas.
