Thomas Whitcombe

With Frost & Reed, London (according to a label on the reverse);
With Richard Green, London (according to a label on the reverse);
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's Parke Bernet, 29 May 1980, lot 13 (as one of a pair);
Anonymous sale, London, Bonhams, 13 September 2005, lot 127;
Where acquired by the present owner.

The painting is in overall good condition, with no extant damages or loss of paint. The canvas has been lined but the paint surface is well preserved, with all the ship's rigging intact. The paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is clear and even. There is some evidence of minor wear in the sea. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals small areas of wash retouching throughout the sky and to the billows of smoke between the ships. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with some chips and losses.
"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."

The legendary battle between H.M.S. Shannon and the USS Chesapeake during the Anglo-American War of 1812-14 is one of the most renowned naval encounters of the nineteenth century and probably the quickest and most decisive frigate action ever fought. Captain Philip Broke, in command of the Shannon, came across the Chesapeake refitting in Boston Harbour and swiftly challenged her to come out and fight. At about noon on June 1st 1813, Captain James Lawrence brought Chesapeake out into the open sea and after merely fifteen minutes, was forced to surrender. After first firing two devastating broadsides, Broke led his boarding party onto Chesapeake but was so badly injured that he had to surrender his command. Casualties on both sides were exceptionally high – 48 Americans, including Captain Lawrence, were killed and 96 wounded whilst Shannon suffered only slightly less with 33 dead and 50 wounded. Despite his injuries, Captain Broke survived to be rewarded with a baronetcy and enduring fame, although he never recovered sufficiently to be able to return to active service. This work was commissioned for and then engraved and reproduced in Ralfe’s splendid 'Naval Chronology of Great Britain' 1803 to the End of the Year 1816, published in three volumes in 1820.