George Chambers (1803-1840) - A Frigate in Full Sail off the Coast
George Chambers despite his short life was one of the leading British marine artists of the 19th century. Although primarily known for his oil paintings, he was also highly skilled in watercolours. He was elected to A.O.W.S in 1834 and the next year a full member of the O.W.S despite only taking up watercolour painting a couple of years before being elected. [1] 'He can be one of the most poetic of British marine artists, and his stylistic epitaph was written by his friend Thomas Sidney Cooper: 'His painting of rough water was truly excellent, and to all water he gave a liquid transparency that I have never seen equalled...his ships are all in motion.' [2]
This watercolour has an impressive provenance trail and is in incredibly good condition for its age. It shows the skill of Chambers in this medium and is reminiscent of artists such as Nicholas Pocock and John Christian Schetky. Sotheby's clearly rated it very highly in 1987 when they valued it at £3,000-4,000. Although not dated, it would fit his works of the 1830s.
Medium: Pen and Brown ink with watercolour on paper, 23.5 x 35.5cm (47.4 x 57.3cm).
Provenance: Rev. E.P. Baker, F.S.A.; The Society of Antiquaries, their sale on behalf of the Morris Fund, Sotheby's, 19th November 1981, lot 191; Sotheby's 'Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century British Drawings and Watercolours' sale, 16th July 1987, lot 130 (estimate £3,000-4,000); Bonhams Marine Sale, 15th April 2014, lot 117.
Exhibited: Fine Art Society, April 1966, No.39.
Bibliography:
[1] Alan Russett (1996), 'George Chambers 183-1840: His Life and Work, Woodbridge: Antique Collectors Club, see chapter 10 'Nature was his Academy': Election to the Old Water-Colour Society 1834-5', pp.105-110.
[2] Huon Mallieu (2002), 'The Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists up to 1920: Volume I A-L', Antique Collectors Club: Woodbridge, p.156. See entry on artist.
Condition report: very good for its age. The frame shows a small amount of wear. Please see photos.