Montague Dawson, R.S.M.A., F.R.S.A.

Frost & Reed, London, 1966, where purchased by the father of the present owner and thence by descent

STRUCTURE Original canvas. There are areas of craquelure in places across the canvas, most noticeably in the sky on the horizon either side of the left and right hand frigates, only visible upon close inspection. Otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT Under UV there is retouching to the most noticeable areas of craquelure as mentioned above, and further cosmetic retouchings to a small area under the british naval flag, to the smoke between the the ships, to a few places in the sea and a few flecked retouchings in the centre of the sky between the left hand frigate and the left hand edge. These have been well executed. FRAME Held in a gilt plaster frame. Please telephone the department on 0207 293 5718 if you have any questions about the present work.
"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."

Following the declaration of war with France on 1 March 1793 the command of the 36-gun frigate Nymphe was granted to Edward Pellew.  He gained a full compliment of men in a remarkably short time but such was his haste that the crew were inexperienced and was made up, to a large degree, of Cornish miners.  While anchored at Falmouth Pellew received Intelligence  that two French Frigates were cruising in the Channel and promptly set sail. 

At dawn on the 19 March Cleopatre, an enemy frigate of equal armament commanded by Captain Mullon, was sighted.  Mullon was one of the few captains of the ancien régime who had remained in the Navy.  A brief but vicious action ensued off Start Point, Devon; finally the Cleopatre's mizzenmast and wheel were shot away, rendering her unmanageable and at the mercy of the Nymphe's boarding party.  Captain Mullon was mortally wounded in the battle and died trying to swallow, what was assumed to be, his commission.  It was, in fact, the French code of signals, a document of vital tactical importance and a greater prize than the ship herself.  The Cleopatre was the first enemy frigate to be captured during the war.  Pellew towed his prize into Portsmouth and on the 29 June was presented, by the Earl of Chatham, to the King and was knighted.

Dawson painted this famous duel on a number of occasions from different perspectives, see L.G.G. Ramsey, Montague Dawson, p.36, no.134, illus. pl.26.