The Battle of Cape St. Vincent, 14 February 1797

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House

William Anderson, marine painter, was born in Scotland and initially worked as a shipwright. Little is known of his artistic training. He moved to London at about the age of 30, where he exhibited works at the Royal Academy from 1787 to 1834. There is also little information on his private life. However, he is known to have had a son, William Guido Anderson, who joined the Royal Navy. Although Anderson is best known for his small, highly finished marine paintings, particularly river scenes, he also painted other subjects. Today his works can be found in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Places

Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic, Portugal, Cape St. Vincent

Subjects

seascape/coastal scene, cloud, sea, ensign (ship), Battle of St. Vincent, ship, frigate, Man o'War

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Robert (after) Cleveley (1747 - 1809)
William Anderson (1757 - 1837)

Title

The Battle of Cape St. Vincent, 14 February 1797

Date

1798

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 87.50 cm, width: 133.50 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Christie's via the Parker Gallery, 9 December 1955

Provenance

Collection of Christopher Cook; collection of Mrs Louisa Baraston; collection of ‘Jay’; by whom sold through Christie's, London, on 9 December 1955 (Lot 128), for £57.15.0; from which sale purchased by ‘Holiday’ on behalf of the Ministry of Works

GAC number

3408