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Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley
Benton Fine Art
for sale €3,452     $3,747
£2,950
Benton Fine Art

Benton Fine Art

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    Specialists in 19th & early 20th century original oil paintings by listed artists
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Id #SA1026688
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Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley

19th century
For Sale by Benton Fine Art
Description

Hubert Thornley

British, (exh. 1858 -1898)

Moonlight on The Medway

Oil on canvas, signed, further inscribed in pencil to the stretcher verso

Image size: 9.5 inches x 15.5 inches

Size including frame: 14.25 inches x 20.25 inches

A captivating moonlight scene of ships on the Medway by Hubert Thornley. To the left of the scene a group of figures gather around a fire, whilst others finish up for the day. Behind them, the chimneys of Chatham Dockyard can be seen silhouetted against the moonlit sky.

Hubert Thornley was one of the pseudonyms of William Thornley, a painter of coastal scenes and marines who lived in Greenwich and for many years had a studio overlooking the Medway near Rochester in Kent. According to art historian Denys Brook-Hart, he was actually born Charles Thornley and exhibited under this name from an address in Paddington, London.

Although called Charles, his best known name was William Thornley. He would also exhibit and sell paintings under other variations of his name such as Hubert Thornley, William Anson Thornberry and William Anson. He was a prolific exhibitor with 53 works shown at the Royal Academy, and 82 at other venues. He also exhibited at the British Institute until its closure in 1867, and at the New Watercolour Society.

His works are highly distinctive and finely detailed, often painted on a small scale. No matter what name he used, his works bear all the hallmarks of his artistry and masterful understanding of the moods of both weather and sea.

Presentation: The work is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.

© Benton Fine Art

Physical Dimensions
Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
51.5cm (20.28")
Depth
5cm (1.97")
Declaration

Benton Fine Art has dated this Victorian Marine Oil Painting to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1026688
Dealers Notes

Members of the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association (LAPADA).

We use a professional, fully insured and tracked door to door service for our UK and international deliveries. Please contact us for further information and shipping quotes.

Viewing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. However, we can also arrange for you to view the item in your home, depending on the location.

For a wider range of stock please visit www.bentonfineart.com.

If you would like to purchase this item or have any questions, please email us at pictures@bentonfineart.com or call 07710 540549.

© Benton Fine Art

Description
Hubert Thornley

British, (exh. 1858 -1898)

Moonlight on The Medway

Oil on canvas, signed, further inscribed in pencil to the stretcher verso

Image size: 9.5 inches x 15.5 inches

Size including frame: 14.25 inches x 20.25 inches

A captivating moonlight scene of ships on the Medway by Hubert Thornley.

To the left of the scene a group of figures gather around a fire, whilst others finish up for the day.
Benton Fine Art

Behind them, the chimneys of Chatham Dockyard can be seen silhouetted against the moonlit sky.

fig 1. A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
fig 1. Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley

Hubert Thornley was one of the pseudonyms of William Thornley, a painter of coastal scenes and marines who lived in Greenwich and for many years had a studio overlooking the Medway near Rochester in Kent. According to art historian Denys Brook-Hart, he was actually born Charles Thornley and exhibited under this name from an address in Paddington, London.

fig 2. A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
fig 2. Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley

Although called Charles, his best known name was William Thornley. He would also exhibit and sell paintings under other variations of his name such as Hubert Thornley, William Anson Thornberry and William Anson. He was a prolific exhibitor with 53 works shown at the Royal Academy, and 82 at other venues. He also exhibited at the British Institute until its closure in 1867, and at the New Watercolour Society.

fig 3. A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
fig 3. Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley

His works are highly distinctive and finely detailed, often painted on a small scale. No matter what name he used, his works bear all the hallmarks of his artistry and masterful understanding of the moods of both weather and sea.

fig 4. A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
fig 4. Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley

Presentation: The work is housed in a new, English made gilt frame which is in excellent condition.

Condition: As with all of our original antique oil paintings, this work is offered in ready to hang gallery condition, having been professionally cleaned, restored and revarnished.

© Benton Fine Art

Height
36cm (14.17")
Width
51.5cm (20.28")
Depth
5cm (1.97")
Date of Manufacture

Benton Fine Art has dated this Victorian Marine Oil Painting to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1026688
Benton Fine Art
Benton Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2012

Specialists in 19th & early 20th century original oil paintings by listed artists

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Benton Fine Art Profile Page

Trade Associations

Benton Fine Art is a registered member of LAPADA  BADA  CINOA

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A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
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Archive I A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.

Seascape Oil Painting of Shipping in Moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley

Archive II A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View II
Archive III A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View III
Archive IV A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View IV
Archive V A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View V
Archive VI A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View VI
Archive VII A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View VII
Archive VIII A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View VIII
Archive IX A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing. View IX
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Telephone 07710 540 549
Location
Near Broadway
Worcestershire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Sep 2012
Items For Sale 210
Benton Fine Art
Benton Fine Art
Verified Since Sep 2012
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Location: Near Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Sep 2012
For Sale
210
A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
Seascape oil painting of shipping in moonlight on the Medway by Hubert Thornley
Ref: SA1026688
A framed Victorian oil painting depicting sailing ships under a full moon on a river with gold gilded framing.
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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Victorian marine painting is defined by its detailed representation of ships, harbours, and coastal waterways, often highlighting atmospheric conditions such as moonlight, fog, or sunset. Artists from this era focused on technical accuracy regarding vessel rigging while capturing the expanding industrial and commercial maritime trade of Great Britain.

Paintings from this era were primarily executed using oil paint pigments ground in linseed oil, applied to hand-stretched flax or cotton canvas. Frames were typically crafted from softwood, lined with plaster or gesso composition ornament, and finished with gold leaf gilded surfaces.

Authentic 19th-century oil paintings usually display natural fine cracking (craquelure) across the paint layer, wood oxidation or darkening on the canvas stretchers, and traditional iron tacks securing the canvas. Inscriptions, signatures, or framers labels on the reverse also assist in verifying the era.

Dark, atmospheric artwork pairs well with rich wall colours such as navy, forest green, or charcoal in formal living spaces, studies, or hallways. Spotlighting or dedicated picture lights enhance the subtle contrast and tonal variations present in nocturnal compositions.

Keep oil paintings away from direct sunlight, excess moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. Dust the frame and canvas surface gently with a soft dry brush; water or chemical detergents should never be applied directly to the paint layer.
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