John Wilson Carmichael

Bonhams, London, 12 September 2006, lot 98, where purchased by the present owner

The canvas has been lined. There is craquelure pattern in parts of the canvas, particularly to the sky, which appears stable. The paint surface is clean and the work appears in good overall condition, ready to hang. Under ultraviolet light there are fine retouchings to some parts of the craquelure in the sky and the sea, which have been well executed. Held in a gilt plaster frame.
"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 ambitious painting depicts the Channel Fleet, or ‘Western Squadron’ as it was commonly known before 1858, exercising in a stormy English Channel. It was an annual event the navy undertook to practice its gunnery and manoeuvres as well as test new vessels in battle formation. In the foreground is the flagship ‘Prince Regent’, launched on 12 April 1823 as a 120-gun First Rate measured at 2,602 tons. However she proved liable to crank and was cut down to a 92-gun Second Rate and relaunched in 1847 where she spent the next thirteen years at sea, including a period as flagship to the Western Squadron. She was again rebuilt in 1860 but saw less active service and was subsequently broken up in 1873.

In addition to the Prince Regent, Carmichael includes a wide range of warships to be found at the time, including frigates of varying size, brigs, schooners and cutters. Significantly, the present work most probably depicts the last year of the Squadron before its composition was changed by the gradual introduction of warships powered by steam. Also seen on the extreme left of the work is a fast armed cutter flying the flag of the Lord High Admiral and carrying one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, who would have accompanied the fleet to observe its general efficiency and readiness for combat.