Francis Swaine

The below condition report was provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation Inc. This painting is in beautiful condition. The canvas has a mid 20th century glue lining. The paint layer was most likely last cleaned at that time and is now noticeably dirty. Beneath the old varnish and dirt layer it is not possible to identify restorations using the ultraviolet light. However, apart from a restoration above the largest building on the right side in the hill and sky, and also below this building in the water where there are a few losses, there appear to be no other restorations of note visible with the naked eye. This painting is unusually unabraded in the sky and the details in the water and the landscape will clean to reveal a great variety of palette and detail. Even the rigging and the masts of the boats and the half sunken boats on the far right are all extremely well preserved and no surprises are anticipated to be revealed if the picture were to be cleaned. The condition is generally very good and the results from cleaning should be impressive.
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.

Major General Robert Monckton led the capture of the Caribbean island of Martinique in January of 1762 during the Seven Years War.  Martinique was an important French sugar colony which had resisted attack three years prior when the British had captured the nearby French sugar colony of Guadeloupe.  The attack was fought on steep and uneven terrain, culminating at the high ground of Morne Grenier.  A pivotal position in the battle, the British armies overtook the hill and secured firing positions over the French fort, forcing the French to surrender at Fort Royal on February 4^th.  This victory proved Monckton's skill as a leader, defeating the French forces in a matter of weeks.

The battle proved a significant victory for the British, helping to end France's position as a major colonial power in the Americas.

Francis Swaine painted this picture for General Monckton shortly after the capture of Martinique.