Peter Monamy

Canvas is lined and is stable on its stretcher. Painting presents a strong image that reads very well beneath a clear varnish, with very good details preserved in areas, for example in the boat at center. There is some inconsistency to the varnish at the extreme lower right edge. There are a few small and scattered spots of retouching in the background and water, for example, in the upper right sky and in the architecture to left of boat, some of which have faintly discolored, but are not distracting. Inspection under UV reveals the aforementioned retouchings, some spots around extreme edges, some spots in the darks of the lower left foreground, and possible areas of retouching in lower left and right corners, possibly from an old framing. While some of the faintly discolored retouches could be attended to, the painting can be hung in its current state. Offered in a decoratively carved giltwood 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.
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.

We are grateful to Dr. Sarah Monks for endorsing the attribution to Monamy, based on photographs. Dr. Monks dates the work to the late 1720s or early 1730s.  The flagship found at left here may be compared to a comparable vessel in a slightly earlier, 1728 Men-of-War Becalmed in the National Maritime Museum, London (BHC1008).