Attributed to Peter Monamy (1681-1749) – A Warship Firing a Salute

A Warship Firing a Salute

Oil on Canvas, in a period carved giltwood frame.

Dimensions listed refer to size of frame.

Provenance: Private Collection, London, England

Literature: F.B.Cockett ‘Peter Monamy & His Circle’ ACC, 2000

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 presented here, and other North European, Dutch and French masters. Monamy was a collector of van de Velde’s drawings whitch clearly influenced his development as a marine painter resulting in numerous commissions from mercantile and naval patrons. In 1726, he was elected 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.