John Thomas Serres 1759-1825

Presumably commissioned by the Hon. William Clement Finch, son of Heaneage, 3rd Earl of Aylesford, and thence by family descent

STRUCTURE All three works are on unlined canvases.There are three patches to the reverse of the third canvas, which correspond to minor damages. PAINT SURFACE The paintings would appear to be generally in very good condition. There is a tear to one of the canvases to the left edge of the composition, which could be easily be mended. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no evidence of re-touching to the first two compositions, and the works would appear to be in original condition. Ultraviolet light reveals some minor touches of re-paint to the third painting. FRAMES All held in gilt wood frames.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Amazon was the second vessel of this name, a 32-gun frigate which was launched on the Thames in 1773.  She weighed 687 tons and carried a crew of 220 men.  She was commanded by the Hon. William Clement Finch.  William Finch was the third son of Heneage Finch, 3rd Earl of Aylesford, and his wife, Lady Charlotte Seymour, daughter of 6th Duke of Somerset.  There was a strong naval pedigree in the family, and William Finch was the great-grandson of Daniel Finch, 8th Earl of Winchilsea, who served as First Lord of the Admiralty.  He served as a Lieutenant in 1772, a Commander in 1776, and became a Captain in 1777.  He finally reached the rank of Rear-Admiral of the Blue in 1794.  He married Mary Brouncker. 

The second and third compositions depict the Amazon caught in a disastrous hurricane which swept across the West Indies in 1780.  The British Navy lost thirteen vessels in this storm, and the coastal fortifications on some of the islands suffered severe damage.