Montague Dawson R.S.M.A., F.R.S.A. 1895-1973

This extraordinary painting is one of the few examples of Dawson's superbly dramatic deck scenes.  In the same vein as The Rising Wind and Shortening Sail ahead of a Gale (both private collections) the viewer is placed on deck and presented with the peril of life at sea. 

Fair weather has given way to the onset of a storm.  Vast, foreboding clouds, reminiscent of Turner's  Snow Storm - steam-boat off a harbour's mouth (Tate Britain) roll across the sky threatening to block out the horizon entirely.  The vessel is already battling against heavy seas with rising waves.  Contemporary accounts of life on board such vessels reveal that the severity of a storm could be measured by the tone of the rigging; If the wind increased beyond force ten, a high pitched scream would become a permanent, low moan.  The pitch and roll of the vessel is clearly evident not only by the angle of the deck but by the strain of the crew who battle to retain their footing and steer her to safety.