- 81
Montague Dawson R.S.M.A., F.R.S.A.
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
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Description
- Montague Dawson R.S.M.A., F.R.S.A.
- The Fleet Messenger
- signed MONTAGUE DAWSON (lower left)
- oil on canvas
- 26 by 36 in.
- 66 by 91 cm
Provenance
Frost & Reed, London (acquired directly from the artist on February 8, 1971)
Peter F. Butler Esq (acquired from the above in 1971, no. 46543)
Frost & Reed, London
Thomas J. Watson, Jr., Greenwich, Connecticut (acquired from the above in 1989, no. 50590)
Thence by descent through the family
Peter F. Butler Esq (acquired from the above in 1971, no. 46543)
Frost & Reed, London
Thomas J. Watson, Jr., Greenwich, Connecticut (acquired from the above in 1989, no. 50590)
Thence by descent through the family
Condition
Unlined, some isolated areas of faint craquelure; under UV: no apparent inpainting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The Fleet Messenger is a superb example of Dawson's historical works. In the foreground, an English naval cutter of the eighteenth century flies full sail; on board, her crew hastens to reach their destination, leaving only a wake of spray in their path. Unlike the squadrons of immense warships seen on the horizon line, which carry heavy cannons of formidable, destructive power, the cutter was built for agility and speed. Such "fleet messengers" carried vital dispatches and intelligence to the Admiralty and to other squadrons. They were extremely fast and carried only light armament, ten or twelve small guns. Despite their modest firepower, they were tactically vital, often serving as scouts for the main fleet. Navigating the ocean swell in such modest vessels demanded seamanship of the highest quality. During peacetime they were used to chase and capture smugglers. The names of many of the vessels have been lost to time, yet Dawson vibrantly records their essential role in maritime history.