Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Antique Marine Oil Painting to the 19th Century.
This is an independent date and photo anotation report compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.
Late 19th Century Victorian Naval Painting of the Royal Navy Ship HMS Bombay Burning off Montevideo
Highlights
Late 19th century British oil on canvas
British School, after Richard Brydges Beechey 1808-1895
Depicts the burning of HMS Bombay in 1864
Based on Beecheys Royal Academy composition of 1866
Royal Navy maritime disaster subject
Rescue boats and survivors depicted
Historic inscription verso
Later Larson Juhl gilt wood frame
Private marine collection provenance
Introduction
A dramatic late 19th century British naval marine oil painting depicting the burning and abandonment of HMS Bombay off Montevideo on 14 December 1864, after the composition by Royal Navy officer and marine painter Richard Brydges Beechey 1808-1895.
HMS Bombay dominates the scene, engulfed in flames and immense clouds of smoke. In the foreground, a crowded ships boat carries escaping sailors across the dark water.
Catalogue Details
Artist and Attribution: British School, After Richard Brydges Beechey 1808-1895
Subject: Burning and Abandonment of HMS Bombay
Date: Circa 1870, late 19th century
Medium: Oil on canvas
Location: River Plate, off Montevideo, Uruguay
Signature: Indistinct possible initials lower right
Inscription: Old manuscript inscription relating to HMS Bombay verso
Frame: Later Larson Juhl moulded gilt wood frame
Catalogue Note
The painting captures HMS Bombay at the height of the disaster. Pale grey, cream and ochre smoke rises above the ship and is punctuated by orange and red flames.
The hull, masts, spars and surviving rigging remain visible through the smoke. A crowded rescue boat occupies the foreground, with further boats and survivors closer to the ship.
The dark blue green sea and floating wreckage add to the dramatic account of evacuation and survival.
HMS Bombay
HMS Bombay was an 84 gun second rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built of teak at Bombay Dockyard and launched on 17 February 1828.
She was converted to auxiliary screw propulsion in 1861 and later served on the South American Station.
On 14 December 1864 fire broke out aboard the vessel near Montevideo during gunnery exercises. The blaze spread rapidly and destroyed the ship. Ninety three of her complement of 619 lost their lives.
Richard Brydges Beechey
Richard Brydges Beechey 1808-1895 was a Royal Navy officer and marine painter. A son of Sir William Beechey RA, his naval career gave him first hand knowledge of ships and maritime conditions.
His depiction of the destruction of HMS Bombay was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1866, number 34.
Museum Research
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, holds a version of HMS Bombay on fire by George Cochrane Kerr, inscribed GE Kerr After Beechey.
Another Kerr version is recorded at the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Bournemouth.
The present painting follows Beecheys established composition. No attribution to George Cochrane Kerr is presently made.
Provenance
Private marine collection, Southern England.
Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Dimensions
Framed 56.3 cm high x 71 cm wide x 3.5 cm deep
Approximately 22.17 inches high x 27.95 inches wide x 1.38 inches deep
Condition Report
Historic condition consistent with age.
The painting has age related craquelure, foxing and staining. Minor historic paint touch ups are present to the lower smoke and ship area, with a small repair to the reverse of the canvas.
The later gilt frame has minor imperfections and wear.
Please examine all photographs as part of the condition report.
Shipping
Worldwide professional shipping is available.
Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution
Supplied with a Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Antique Marine Oil Painting to the 19th Century.
This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.
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Antique British Marine Oil Painting Burning of Hms Bombay 1864 After Beechey
