Thomas Whitcombe

Davis Bros, Kings Road, London, where bought by Sir David Scott, 3 January 1921 for £16

SHEET The sheet has been laid down on to card. There is a crease to the paper (approx 2 in.), centre right. There are some signs of light foxing to the right of the composition. MEDIUM The colours have faded overall. FRAME Held in a decorative composite 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."

'It is dawn and the two ships are still hammering away at each other, almost becalmed, and through the stern ports you can see the men serving the guns. The comment of a naval officer, to whom I once shewed [sic] this picture, was "what a perfect night for a fight".' Sir David Scott

This watercolour records the last stages of the closely fought engagement between H.M.S. Amethyst (36 guns) under Captain Sir Michael Seymour and the French frigate Thetis (40 guns) which took place during the night of 10 November 1808.  Around 6 o'clock in the evening, Seymour had given chase to an unidentified French vessel near the Isle de Groix off the Brittany coast.  He had failed to appreciate her size and capacity, and by the time he had cut the distance at around 9 oclock it was clearly too late to draw away.  Instead he engaged her, and for the next three hours the two ships bombarded each other until finally the crew of the Amethyst was able to board the Thetis and take command of the ship.  Following the action, the Shannon, under Captain Philip Broke, approached and was able to take the Thetis in tow.  In due course she entered the British navy under the name H.M.S. Brune.  Following the action, Captain Seymour was made a Baronet in recognition of his outstanding courage. The two-hundredth anniversary of the engagement will take place in the same month as this sale.