WILLIAM ANDERSON
British, 1757-1837

"Frigates at Anchor, With a Ship's Cutter on the Shore" (1792)

19 1/8" H x 1 3/8" D x 21 1/4" W (framed)
14" H x 19 1/8" W (canvas)

Oil on canvas, signed with initials and dated "W.A. 1792" on a parcel in the lower left foreground. Presented in a contemporary giltwood frame bearing a brass artist's plaque.

A finely detailed maritime painting depicting British frigates at anchor in calm coastal waters with sailors attending to a ship's cutter drawn ashore in the foreground. The composition reflects Anderson's particular interest in naval architecture and the atmospheric effects of light upon shipping.

William Anderson was born in Scotland in 1757 and initially trained as a shipwright before establishing himself in London as a marine painter. His practical knowledge of ship construction informed the precision of his maritime subjects, which frequently drew upon the traditions of seventeenth century Dutch marine painting. Anderson exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy beginning in 1787, continuing intermittently until 1834, and also exhibited at the British Institution. He became particularly recognized for his carefully rendered depictions of British naval vessels, coastal scenes and maritime engagements. His paintings are represented in the collections of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Provenance:

• Samuel Wilson of Southsea, England; thence by descent.
• Christie's, London, May 25, 2005, lot 511, Frigates at Anchor, with a Ship's Cutter on the Shore, sold for £9,600 (approximately $17,856 at the contemporary exchange rate supplied).
• Running Battle Antiques, Millbrook, New York, acquired July 1, 2005, for $26,000 (original purchase invoice included).
• Private Collection, Catawba Island, Lake Erie, Ohio.

Condition: Very good overall presentation. Wax relined, with fine craquelure throughout and traces of surface grime and discoloration to the varnish. A small patch on the reverse corresponds to localized inpainting immediately above the two masts. Ultraviolet examination reveals scattered retouching throughout the composition, including the sky and water. The paint surface remains visually cohesive and would benefit from a future cleaning. Contemporary giltwood frame with minor nicks and abrasions. Presents beautifully and is ready to hang.

References:

Royal Museums Greenwich, National Maritime Museum, Self Portrait of William Anderson, 1757–1837, inv. ZBA2264. Museum collection and biographical record.

ref. 608MPK12Q