Robert Salmon 1775-1844

(Sale: Christie's, New York, February 3, 2005, lot 199)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

John Wilmerding, Robert Salmon, Painter of Ship and Shore, 1971, Boston, 1971, Appendix A, ("Salmons' Catalogue of Paintings"), p. 11, Illustrated

Canvas lined. Surface is pressed from lining, pressed craquelure, abrasions from cleaning, especially in the rigging, old stretcher bar marks slightly visible mainly in the sky, some touches of old repaint also visible in the sky. Horizontal one inch line of loss lower left edge. Old areas of paint loss visible particularly in dark band of water below line of Liverpool. Under UV: repaint on three boats and figures foreground right, also in aforementioned area of loss in water lower left, land in foreground about 50% repainted, sky above central boat has many lines of inpainting a few repaired tears upper left quadrant. Interested parties should inspect this work in person prior to bidding in the auction.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Liverpool was a vital port in the 18^th and 19^th centuries and was the first city to have an enclosed 'wet' dock, ensuring that ships were able to unload their goods regardless of the tide. Throughout the eighteenth century, trade linked Liverpool to the West Indies, North America, Africa and Europe, and as a result, the Liverpool docks became closely entwined with the slave trade. Vessels involved in this trade would dock at St. George's, which is visible beyond the cluster of ships at center right in the present work. Shipping companies such as Cunard and White Star Line were later established to ferry passengers to the Americas and it was from Liverpool that the Titanic departed for New York.

In the middle distance at left, a British ship is seen in quarter view. Most unusually for Salmon, the central vessel is identifiable, the characters Liverpool appearing across the stern. Lloyd's Register for 1810 has only one such entry, a six-year-old ship built in Philadelphia, voyaging between that city and Liverpool, and commanded by Captain Bryan.

This view of the city is from the Birkenhead side of the River Mersey, at Wallasey. The extraordinary wealth created from Liverpool's trading success is evidenced by the city's architecture, including many significant church spires along the waterfront. Close to the water's edge, to the left of the Liverpool, is the Townsend Windmill, its arms turned to face the southerly wind. The domed church to the right of the ship at left is St. Paul's, since demolished; to the right of this is the parish church of St. Nicholas, built in the ornamental Gothic style with a stone tower surmounted by an open lantern, known as the "sailors' church" on account of its proximity to the docks.