A view of Dover Castle from the sea, with fishing luggers in the foreground. The expansive castle stretches across the right of the image, and fishermen are visible working in the luggers throughout. Dover was an important area for Wyllie; in 1868 Dover Castle and Town was his first work accepted into the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition. He would return to the area throughout his career (PAE4697, PAE4698, PAE4711, PAE4732). This etching was first published by Robert Dunthorne in 1905, and an oil on the same subject was exhibited in the Royal Academy that year. The inscription at the bottom centre reads “London Published June 1st, 1905 by R. Dunthorne, 5 Vigo St. W. Copyright 1905.” Technique includes drypoint.; Signed by artist.

W. L. Wyllie (1851-1931) was a British Marine artist. Born in London, Wyllie painted, drew, and etched Thames scenes throughout his life. He moved to Portsmouth in 1907, where he continued working, supported the restoration of the Victory and painted the Trafalgar Panorama. Early in his career Wyllie was an illustrator for The Graphic, and he became a member of the Royal Academy in 1907.