Samuel Walters
London Interlude

 

 

Samuel Walters 1811-1882
Detail from a French fishing lugger (a chasse-marée), entering Boulogne harbour in a Channel gale. Filled with action, this detailed study of a French fishing boat illustrates the artist's grasp of his subject. Caught out in a southwesterly blow, sail has been shortened, as evidenced by the reefing points secured at the foot of the two sails still standing. Having run before the rising gale and fetched the entrance, the mainsail has just been lowered, the crew still actively stowing the heavy spar and canvas.
With this task completed, the next step will be to drop the massive mainmast on to the specially constructed 'gallows' at the stern, (here painted green). In fact this has already occurred in the case of the boat on the extreme left, which might be a second view of the main subject (see second detail). Now in the shelter of the quay, the foresail has also been lowered. With so many helpful onlookers, there will be no problem securing her shore lines.
On the extreme right, a steamer and several distant sail also make for harbour. Astern of the main subject the passing French brig has sent down her fore topgallant mast, and seems to be shortening sail with a view to continuing further up Channel.
Oil on canvas 23.5" x 37.5" signed and dated 1863
Courtesy of Christie's London.