Ernest Poulson, the Brig Martha, Crossing the Bay of Biscay - Antique Oil Painting

This mid-19th-century oil painting by British artist Captain Ernest Poulson (fl. 1836-1865) depicts the brig Martha of Sunderland crossing the notorious Bay of Biscay. Poulson was a painter of maritime subjects.

The Bay of Biscay remains one of Europe’s more perilous stretches of water. Numerous ships have been wrecked by its ferocity throughout the centuries due to a combination of its unique geography and unpredictable weather patterns. In 1782, for example, a British fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir Edward Hughes, lost several vessels including the HMS Royal George, resulting in the death of over 1,000 sailors.

Here, the brig, under the command of Thomas Pearson, is portrayed as buffeted by fierce waves yet triumphing over adversity.

The Brig Martha was built at Sunderland in 1838 and put up for sale via a newspaper advertisement in 1840.

“For Sale. The fine Brig Martha, Thomas Pearson, Master. Burthen per register 279 tons o. M. and 301 tons N.M. This vessel was built at Sunderland in 1838 under the inspection of the present owners, is coppered and copper fastened, well found in stores, and only requires provisions to send her to sea: lying in the King's Dock. For further particulars apply to Captain Pearson, on board, or M. and A. Wilkin, to Harrington-chambers, North John-street.”

The advertisement sheds light on the brig’s particulars, including the fact it was ‘coppered’. Copper sheathing on a ship’s hull served a dual purpose - firstly it improved sailing performance and secondly, it provided protection against the effects of shipworm, barnacles and other marine biology.

Little is known about the artist, Captain Ernest Poulson, aside from a handful of digitised works. However, it could possibly relate to Captain Andrew Frederick Ernest Poulson (c.1822-1890) who was born in Denmark but moved to Tynemouth, Northumberland, where he married Louisa Susannah Robinson in 1853. Tynemouth is less than ten miles from Sunderland.

Signed/dated in the lower left and held within a splendid gilt frame, which could be original.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 39½” x 30” / 101cm x 76cm

Year of creation: 1839

Labels & Inscriptions: Labels on reverse referring to previous ownership.

Provenance: With Sydney Paton / Private collection, UK.

Condition: Cleaned. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Old repairs. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.

Our reference: BRV2005