A fifth rate ship of the line and a brig drying sails in a flat calm on the River Mersey, 1808

In this work the observer is looking upriver to the broad shallow expanses of the Mersey, with Liverpool on the left and the Wirral coastline on the right of the painting. The disposition of the intervening central ship relative to the distant Liverpool waterfront, means that only one recognisable Liverpool landmark is visible. This is the unmistakeable dome of St. Pauls with a central vertical extension bearing a cross, clearly visible just abaft of the boat in the stern davits of the main subject. Comparison of the ships reveal distinctive characteristics excluding the common convention of several different views of one vessel. A flat calm on the turbulent fast flowing Mersey is rare, a particularly pleasing feature of the composition being the artist's skillful use of alternating areas of shade and light to convey an overall luminosity, in harmony with a smiliar pattern of sky and cloud. Whilst the sun shines, every sail has been hoisted aloft, in an attempt to discourage rot alternating areas of light and shade add to the overall general aesthetic effect.
We are grateful to Mr. A.S. Davidson for his help in preparing this
catalogue entry.