Lot 23: JOHN SCOTT 1802-1885

signed l.r.:J Scott

oil on canvas

50 by 75 cm., 19 3/4 by 29 1/2 in.

This painting shows the Mary Ann approaching port. She is showing an early example of Cunningham's self furling topsails. She is reducing speed in readiness to be towed into port. The second position shows her under tow and proceeding inwards. A snow is a type of brig. It has an extra mizzen mast which carries the spanker. This allows the main squaresail to be furled, as is shown here, without touching the spanker. It was favoured by British merchantmen with small crews. A version of this picture is in the National Maritime Museum.