Royal Navy Gun-Brig, Oil Painting on Canvas, Early 19th Century

This oil painting on canvas depicts a United Kingdom Royal Navy gun-brig flying the Royal Naval White Ensign as its square sails are being unfurled, the mainsail being the last one. The painting is unsigned and untitled, and the gun-brig is unidentified. It does show a typical Royal Navy gun-brig of the Napoleonic Wars era, a time when this type of vessel was extensively used in the English Channel and overseas. Such a two-masted ship was smaller and faster to maneuver than a schooner, yet it carried twelve guns - ten broadsides and two chasers. In the distance are other ships of the fleet under a clearing sky, while waves and seabirds and sun highlights occupy the foreground. This fine painting has been professionally relined and restored, while the craquelure is stabilized and does not detract from it visually as it hangs on a wall. The period gilt frame of wood and gesso is decorated with a border of Classical acanthus leaf carvings and shows typical light wear with age. The overall measurements are listed below. The sight measurements are 18"W x 12"H.