This unsigned ship portrait probably dates to the 1830s or early 1840s at latest.
The rig is rather unusual, since while essentially that of a brig it includes a gaff to the foremast rather than a fore-staysail. This probably gave the ship great flexibility - perhaps particularly suitable to Trinity House requirements - either to proceed square-rigged including top-gallants or in effect with a more low-powered fore-and-aft schooner rig. As shown the ship is riding under easy sail on the starboard tack in a lively sea, not hove to but probably not moving forward significantly given that the two fore and aft sails are neither fully deployed: the fore gaff has been reduced by hauling down from the peak, and the main course or 'driver' aft 'scandalized' by hauling up the tack unusually high, though it was often done to a lesser degree to allow the helmsman a clear view forward through the opening produced. The vessel in the right distance appears to be a larger brig, with a cross-jack mainsail aft. It is surprising no-one has ever suggested an artist for this very competent, professional ship portrait. The Museum has another in which the sea is similar attributed to the Liverpool painter Samuel Walters, though that is also unsigned. His works usually include a geographical clue to the location however. [PvdM 8/11]