John Christian Schetky

Admiral Sir Charles Thomas Scott;
Thence by descent to his son Sir David Scott in 1911 

SHEET The sheet has been laid down. There is some minor discolouration, and minor foxmarks are evident (particularly to the lower left edge). MEDIUM Light fading to the colour tones overall. FRAME Held in a simple gild wood frame; under glass.
"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."

'..this fight took place in May 1864 near the island of Heligoland and the Danes got the best of it. The action went on until the fleets got close to Heligoland, which was then a British possession, when a British ship, H.M.S. Aurora, came out and steamed between the two fleets and so put an end to the engagement' Sir David Scott.

This drawing depicts the famous action during the second Schleswig War when the combined might of Prussia and Austria was pitted against Denmark.  Whilst on land the war went badly for the Danes at sea they held their own.  In this action they managed to severely damge the Austrian frigate Schwarzenberg before the intervention of Aurora.  This lead to a cessation of hostilities at the so called "London Conference"

John Christian Schetky studied art under Alexander Nasmyth.  In 1808 he obtained a post in a military college, Great Marlow, and shortly afterwards was appointed as professor of drawing in the naval college at Portsmouth.  This allowed him to specialise in marine subjects. In 1815 he was appointed as Painter in Watercolours to the Duke of Clarence, and Marine Painter in Ordinary to George IV in 1820. Two years later he accompanied the King to Edinburgh. It was here that he met Turner who he later assisted with drawings of boats. His ability as a marine artist was such that he went on to serve both William IV and Queen Victoria as Marine Painter in Ordinary.  Queen Victoria and Prince Albert both expressed great admiration for Schetky's drawings made on the spot. He exhibited at the Royal Academy almost every year between 1821 and 1872.