Lot 58: 'Gibraltor'

'Gibraltor' signed and dated 'D. Serres 1773', bears old label inscribed with title (to stretcher verso) oil on canvas 46 x 63.5cm (18 1/8 x 25in).

46x 63.5cm

Larger version, Alan Russett, Dominic Serres 1719-1793, War Artist to the Navy, Woodbridge, Suffolk 2001, pp.96-97, illustrated p.99, colour plate 40.

From the family of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Graham Eden Hamond, 2nd Baronet GCB (1779–1862) Thence by descent

The present lot is known to have been in the possession of Sir Graham Eden Hamond and has since been passed down through the family to the present day and arrives here fresh to the market. A larger example of the work, dated 1771, is identified in Russett's book, Dominic Serres 1719-1793, War Artist to the Navy, Woodbridge, Suffolk 2001, pp.96-97, illustrated p.99, colour plate 40. as HMS Pembroke, flagship of Commodore Charles Proby. It is probable that Proby (a veteran of Commodore George Anson's round the world voyage between 1740 and 1744), commissioned the work to commemorate his arrival to the Mediterranean in 1769. During the late 18th century, Serres was a prolific naval painter chosen by many captains to document their achievements at sea. Indeed it is likely that this reputation contributed to the artist's election as a member of the council at the Royal Academy in 1773. During this time Serres received many notable marine commissions including one from the King to paint the Royal Review of the Fleet in June of the same year. It is therefore unsurprising that Proby should chose him to paint such an important piece. The Royal Academy records for 1773 list a painting submitted by Serres described as 'A View of Gibraltar with a Squadron of English Men-of-War; in the foreground is an Algerine xcheck'. We are grateful to Alan Russett for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.