Robert Salmon

Fosters, where bought by Sir David Scott before 1930 for £30

Sotheby's, Pictures from the Collection of Sir David and Lady Scott, 2008, pp. 32-35.

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined. PAINT SURFACE Old scattered craquelure throughout which has been stabilised by the relining. There is a small spot of cracking and paint lifting on the upper border, centre left. Also signs of old restored frame abrasions along edges, possibly from a previous smaller stretcher. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals some patches of retouching in places across the sky and to the stretcher mark running across the upper border, also visible to the naked eye; some further scattered spots of old retouching. FRAME Held in a decorative gilded composite 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."

'The background in this picture probably represents the estuary of the Mersey where most of Salmon's pictures were painted. I like these very exact paintings of ships. Although the artist puts in every rope there is nothing stiff or wooden about the picture. I have often seen the sea look just like this.' (Sir David Scott, from his unpublished notes on the pictures in his collection)

The present work shows a 52-gun 4th-rate man-of-war of the Red Squadron departing from the 'Tail of the Bank' anchorage in the upper Firth of Clyde; the 'bank' referring to the shallows in the upper reaches towards Glasgow. At the foremast the blue flag, pierced with white, is the Blue Peter indicating imminent departure. Her main and fore courses are still clewed up, allowing good all round visibility in confined waters, and the royal yards are being hoisted with some hands still aloft in the rigging.  The squadron are clearly underway as the two distant men-of-war on the right and left of the painting, also fly the Blue Peter. The background is typical of Salmon's topographical skill; facing southeast, the busy waterfront near Greenock, in the shelter of the hills, is meticulously painted. A most interesting feature, visible directly under the bowsprit of the central frigate, is a very early steamer, possibly the Comet. The Clyde, with its sheltered waterways, was a natural area to experiment with steam powered vessels. The Comet, Great Britain's first trading steamer, was built by Henry Bell and launched in 1812 which coincides with Salmon's stay in the area. The steam from this vessel, as well as the chimneys along the waterfront, indicate an easterly wind, favourable conditions for the squadron to make their way to the open sea.