Charles Gore (1729-1807) - Two Sailing Ships

Charles Gore is primarily known for his marine works and he greatly admired the Willem Van de Veldes. The artist produced numerous drawings of 17th century subjects in their manner with some based on their drawings. He also would sometimes add outlines to drawings by Van de Velde the Younger. 
 
He primarily worked in Southampton until 1773 before travelling to Italy in an effort to recoup his wife's health. Gore painted valuable drawings of the ancient ruins he visited and when he returned to England in 1781 he became a member of the Dilettante Society. After visiting Florence again he settled for the rest of his life at the court of the Duke of Weimar. [1]
 
Works by Gore are rare on the market and this is a great example showing the influence of the Dutch Marine School.
 
Medium: ink and watercolour on paper, 14.5 x 27.5cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Estate of the late Miss Joan May; Abbott & Holder, London (label verso).
 
Literature:
 
[1] E.H.H. Archibald (1980), 'Dictionary of Sea Painters', Antique Collectors' Club: Woodbridge, p. 110. See entry on artist.
 
Condition report: general time staining particularly obvious in the edges of the watercolour (please see photos for examples).