Hercules Brabazon Brabazon (1821-1906)

The present watercolour is a study after a Turner oil exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1845 along with its companion piece Evening, going to the ball. Painted for Francis McCracken of Belfast, it was returned to the artist by 1846 and formed part of the Turner Bequest, now in the Tate Gallery, London, 'no. 544'. The Times for 6 May 1845 spoke of 'a play of brilliant colours, sparkling as they vanish above smooth waters.' St. Martino appears to have been an invention of Turner's.