Lot 9: Richard Paton 1717-1791 , a Royal Navy Brig in action with two armed Spanish Xebecs oil on canvas

signed l.r: R. Paton oil on canvas

60 by 91 cm., 23½ by 35¾ in.

VARIOUS PROPERTIES
Richard Paton was born in London, the youngest child of an extremely poor family. Along with his siblings he was sent onto the streets of the capital to beg. At some point he met Sir Charles Knowles, a Commander in the Royal Navy who rose to the rank of Admiral. Paton managed to talk himself onto Knowles' ship where he worked as assistant to the ship's official artist.

It is therefore fair to assume he was self taught which is remarkable as he is regarded one of the finest Naval artists of the eighteenth century, painting some of the principle battles of that era with a subtle yet assured manner.