Lot 505: Peter Monamy (1681-1749)

An English Royal Yacht standing offshore in a calm sea
signed 'P. Monamy' (lower left)
oil on canvas, in a carved and gilded frame
28 x 38 in. (71 x 96.5 cm.)
See front cover illustration, detail

with Spink, London.

Peter Monamy was born in London in 1681, the youngest son of a Guernseyman. Throughout his career he was heavily influenced by the works of Willem van de Velde, the Younger, as evident in the work illustrated above, and other North European, Dutch and French masters. Monamy was himself a collector of Van de Velde's drawings and these clearly influenced his development as a maritime painter resulting in numerous commissions from mercantile and naval patrons, including the famous Channel Island's naval families, the Durrels and the Saumarezs.
In 1726, he was elected a Liveryman of the Company of Painter-Stainers, to which he presented a very large painting of the 'Royal Sovereign at anchor' which still remains in their collection. Although his paintings usually depict actual ships, they rarely record specific events as, up until 1739, his career coincided with a long period of peace. From the 1730s until his death, Monamy was at the centre of London's artistic life and was a friend and companion of Hogarth, sometimes collaborating with the celebrated younger artist. Despite his many commissions however, he was never particularly prosperous and also painted decorative pictures specifically for commercial galleries and dealers.

Monamy was survived by his wife, and two daughters. It is interesting to note, that his eldest daughter, Mary, married the marine painter Francis Swaine.

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