Charles Brooking

Robert Taylor Esq. (1840-1915);
E.M. Thomas Esq., 1915;
With Messum's, London, 1984;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 13 March 1985, lot 23;
Anonymous sale, London, Bonhams, 13 September 2005, lot 198;
Where acquired by the present owner.

Aldeburgh, Aldeburgh Festival, and Bristol, Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, Charles Brooking, June and July 1966, no. 50.

D. Joel, Charles Brooking 1723-1759 and the 18th Century British Marine Painters, Suffolk 2000, p. 139, cat. no. 203D, reproduced in colour p. 61, fig. 4/8.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is relatively dirty and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a milky varnish underneath which some retouchings are visible, most notably to the clouds upper right. There are small retouchings to the right of the ship in the foreground, to the left of the upper half of its high mast, and along the left margin, including a fine line to reduce the appearance of a vertical line of surface cracking. There are further small and fine retouchings to a concentric network of craqualure lower left. In overall good condition.
"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."

This painting was originally conceived as one of a set of six paintings depicting ships in adverse weather conditions, which remained together until their appearance on the market in 1985.