Robert Salmon

Acquired by the father-in-law of the present owner c.1935

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined. There is a very faint pattern of craquelure across the sky, only visible upon close inspection. There are a few small, isolated spots of staining in the sky and in the sea near the lower right corner. There is also some faint frame abrasion along the right vertical edge. The surface is slightly dirty and may benefit from a light clean. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV light reveals areas of retouching along the left edge and around the base of the front mast. There are also retouchings to repaired tears upper right. There are also flecked retouchings through the sky and in two or three places in the sea. FRAME Held in a gilt plaster frame. Please telephone the department on 0207 293 5718 if you have any questions about the present work.
"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 shows shipping in Woolwich Reach on the Thames; the docks of the East India Company are visible on the horizon with Galleons Reach to her stern.  The central vessel seems to be of comparable size to an 18-gun corvette.  Following the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the yellow strakes were changed to white suggesting that she is a merchantman rather than Royal Navy.  The anchor is catted but not stowed and with aid of a light breeze and current she drops downstream in a flat calm.  A figure, probably the first-mate, is clearly visible heading for the bowsprit, probably to overhaul the staysails.  The ship is accompanied by Thames wherries as well as a three-masted lugger under the ship's stern.  

The location of the work is interesting as Salmon spent the majority of this period in Liverpool.  It is also a departure in terms of style; despite being relatively early in Salmon's career, he had already established a distinct style which generally featured an idiosyncratic depiction of waves, reminiscent of Canaletto.  The present work has an overriding sense of calm, undoubtedly influenced by the Dutch masters whose work had been celebrated in London throughout the Eighteenth Century.

The painting comes from the family of Godfrey Wicksteed, Master Mariner, first mate of the Mayflower II and consultant rigger to the Cutty Sark.