Shipping by moonlight

Painting. A view of naval ships and smaller craft in calm conditions in an anchorage, with a tower (possibly part of a a larger fortified enclosure) on the right. The two largest ships ships appear to be frigates. Ill defined figures and a shoreline are present at the bottom on the image. Why it has been stated to be 'by moonlight' is not clear. Light from the left is reflected in the water from the mizzen sails of the ship to the right, but the general tone (allowing the painting needs cleaning) is that of an evening rather than night scene. It is probably a decorative piece, not a specific location. [PvdM 8/16]

Object Details

ID: BHC1049
Collection: Fine art
Type: Painting
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Swaine, Francis
Date made: Mid to late 18th century
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Macpherson Collection
Measurements: Painting: 355 mm x 432 mm; Frame: 495 x 585 x 55 mm