Richard Brydges Beechey

Dublin, Royal Hibernian Academy, 1869, no. 156.

Original canvas, which is slightly creased in the corners. There is a large L-shaped tear in the bottom centre of the canvas approximately three inches long, which has been taped on the reverse. There is a further U-shaped tear approximately one inch long in between the boats on the left horizon, which has a canvas patch on the reverse. There is another hole with some paint loss in the bottom left corner which has also been taped to the reverse. In the lower right quadrant there is a pin hole by the standing girl's face and an area of paint loss below the seated reading girl. Frame markings and surface abrasions run at intervals along edges of the painting. There are stretcher bar marks along three edges with paint loss at intervals along the right edge and in the bottom right hand corner. Craquelure is extensive throughout. The surface is very dirty and there are spots of staining scattered throughout, visible in the catalogue illustration. The varnish has also discoloured. Under ultraviolet light, there are areas which flouresce and these appear to be where there is wear to the surface; the varnish is thick and difficult to read. Held in a decorative painted plaster frame with some losses.
"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."

The present work offers a highly important historical view of Dublin Bay in the late 1860s observed from Seapoint station towards West Pier, Dun Laoghaire. Beechey delights in the details of the scene. Among the rocks women are engaged in various activities, one reads with her friends and others sit while their children play. Out on the far edge of the rocks, a group of boys fish. The bay is a hive of activity with fishing and sailing boats, a rowing boat ferrying passengers and a canoeist. Two steam ships pass along the horizon and behind West Pier, the mast of Tall Ships can be seen. These details demonstrate the continual historical importance of the bay in the life of the city. Perhaps most interesting of all is the early record this painting provides of the recent rail network and newly developed Seapoint station, completed in 1862. A carriage passes under the footbridge, steam rising from its engine and in the distance another steam train can be seen. The large building on the horizon is Salthill Hotel and the row of Georgian houses running along the hilltop can still be seen today.  

 

Richard Beechey was the son of the eminent artist Sir William Beechey R.A. and Lady Beechey, a talented miniaturist who also exhibited at the Royal Academy. He led a distinguished life as naval officer and marine painter, mostly depicting ships in stormy conditions. He joined the Royal Navy at the age of fourteen, eventually ascending to the rank of Admiral. Although he was of English descent, Beechey moved to Monkstown, Co. Dublin after his marriage to an Irish lady. He painted many seascapes whilst working with the Navy in Shannon and off the West Coast of Ireland. After his retirement in 1864, he devoted himself to capturing coastal views and activities closer to home in Co. Dublin, a fine example being the present work.