Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are offering this beautifully executed 19th Century marine oil painting by the artist W. B. Webb, who has signed the painting in the lower right hand corner.

The painting depicts a small fishing boat to the left of the painting with its crew of three, foundering in heavy seas, with several other gaff-rigged fishing boats heading to their assistance, as well as a larger vessel, possibly a clipper ship. There is the wreckage of a smaller boat in the foreground.

It is either that W. B. Webb did not exhibit as he is not mentioned in our reference books, or more likely in our opinion, that this name is a pseudonym for another artist, as his work is not dissimilar to that of William E. Webb, with whose work his is sometimes confused. There are a few auction results for W. B. Webb, mostly marine oils.

However, art should be enjoyed for the skill of the artist in the depiction of the scene, not for his name, and he has managed to show the drama of the situation, the lively action of the waves and the movement of the ships in excellent fashion.

The painting has been newly framed in a 4" reeded gilt frame and slip and will be supplied wired and ready to hang.

Image size: 32 3/4" x 18 3/4" - 83.2cm x 47.65cm

Frame size: 41" x 27" - 104.1cm x 68.55cm

Medium: Oils on canvas

Condition: Very good. The canvas has been relined at some stage in the past and there is some craquelure consistent with age. The frame and slip are new.