Lot 517: [ OIL PAINTING ]

James Irvine (1833-1889) OLD COUL Signed 'Jas Irvine', inscribed on label verso 'Picture by J. Irving R.S.A. of Old Coul, a native of Montrose, Scotland, who was an A.B in the Royal Navy and was *** the HMS Shannon into action against Chesapeake' Oil on canvas 68 x 45 cm James Coull was the quartermaster on the HMS Shannon during her action with the USS Chesapeake off Boston, Massachusetts, during the blockade of the East coast of the United Sates in 1812. The action lasted less than fifteen minutes, resulting in the capture of the Chesapeake by the British. The two ships were well matched but for the superior training of the Shannon's crew in gunnery drills. Coull was hit with a musket ball and had his arm removed by the ship's doctor. James Irvine was an eminent portrait painter from Montrose and is known to have painted 'Old Coull' at least five times.