Robert Woodcock

Paul Mellon by whom given to the Yale Center for British Art;
Sale of Paintings from the Paul Mellon Collection, Sotheby's London, 18th November 1981, lot 85 (bt. by the present owner)

London, Royal Academy, Painting in England, 1700-1850 from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1964-1965, no. 135;
Yale University Art Gallery, Painting in England, 1700-1850, 1965, no. 124

E. H. H. Archibald, Dictionary of Sea Painters, 1980, p. 235

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultravilet light reveals minor retouchuing to the sky and a layer of slight opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a gilded wooded frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

As a clerk at the Admiralty Robert Woodcock developed a keen interest in ships, making drawings of them in his spare time and later taking up oil painting at the age of thirty. An admirer of the works of the van de Veldes, he executed many copies of their work and his style remained heavily influenced by them. Despite this Woodcock's later works show a confidence and originality which is exemplified in his painting of the Royal William (National Maritime Museum, Greenwich), as well as in the present painting . He died in London at the age of thirty-six, after only six years as a professional painter.    

The ship being launched in this painting is possibly the Romney, a 4th rate 44-gun ship of the Royal Navy, which was rebuilt at Deptford in 1726.