Lot 26: JACOB KNYFF 1638-1681 AN ENGLISH SHIP AND OTHER SHIPPING OFF CASTLE CORNET, GUERNSEY

oil on canvas

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES

F.B. Cockett, Early Sea Painters 1660-1730, 1995, p.48, no. 9, illus. plate 7
CATALOGUE NOTE

The imposing Castle Cornet was built in the thirteenth century to guard the safe anchorage of St Peter Port in Guernsey. By the fifteenth century much of it had been rebuilt, and it was further altered by Henry VIII, who ordered it to be strengthened to withstand artillery attacks. In the Civil War the castle remained loyal to Charles I, whilst the island of Guernsey supported Cromwell, and the castle was besieged for almost nine years. After the Civil War General Lambert, one of Cromwell's most important supporters, was imprisoned there between 1661 and 1670. A serious explosion in 1672 destroyed the Castle's Tower, Chapel and the Governor's residence. A vessel in the background of the present work is firing a salute which may mark the return of the Governor to the Castle. At the time this work must have been painted the Governor of Guernsey was Christopher, Lord Hatton. He had acted as Comptroller of the Royal Household, and after the Restoration was made a Privy Councillor and Governor of Guernsey. He was succeeded as Governor by his son, Christopher.

The artist Jacob Knyff was born in Haarlem, the son of Wouter Knyff. By 1670 he had a studio in Paris and he moved to England in 1672, one of the Dutch artists who were encouraged to come by Charles II's proclamation promising the work in this country. He remained in England until his death.

87 3/4 by 165cm., 34 1/2 by 65in.