Lot Essay
Prout's earliest sketching tours between 1801 and 1805 included Cornwall and Devon, where he returned on a number of occasions. According to J. Britton, his patron and teacher at the time, he was not yet accomplished at architectual subjects and had more success with coastal views and marine subjects such as these. Similar drawings are held in the Victoria and Albert Museum (E3029.1927 and E3030.1927).