Lot 7: Richard Paton

Richard Paton
1717-1791
the battle of doggerbank, 5th august 1781
oil on canvas
46.5 by 61 cm., 18 1/4 by 24 in.
In March 1781 Vice-Admiral Sir Hyde Parker (1714-1782) was appointed to command a squadron in the North Sea. On his way south with a large convoy of about 200 merchantmen he met a Dutch squadron on the Doggerbank. The fleets were evenly matched but some of the English vessels were unseaworthy and the consequent battle was indecisive with both sides sustaining heavy losses. Parker felt aggrieved that Lord Sandwich had not strengthened his force and resigned his command.
A similar picture by Paton showing this action is in the National Maritime Musem, Greenwich.