(Recto) View at Gibraltar, towards Algeciras; with a pencil sketch of a rowing boat with a passenger in a tall hat; (Verso) Cabo de Gata

No. 23 of 36 (PAI0849 - PAI0884).

The watercolour coastal view is inscribed top left 'Gibraltar Aug 13th 52' and is probably taken on the wooded slopes above the southern edge of the town looking roughly north and slightly west over shipping below towards the Spanish coast above Algeciras Bay. The mountain top with a tower, seen between the tree and the buildings on the right, may be the Sierra Carbonera or 'Queen of Spain's Chair', from which Mends did another view back towards Gibraltar in the same sketchbook; see PAI0879.

The boat drawing looks down into it, probably from on board ship. The shape of the boat and dress of at least one of the three men in it suggest it is a Gibraltar boat, possibly hawking provisions. The shapes on the small foredeck could be a combination of bread, cheeses, melons or other large squash vegetables.

(Verso) The drawing shows the fort at Cabo de Gata.

Object Details

ID: PAI0871
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Mends, George Pechell; Mends, George Pechell
Date made: 13 Aug 1852; August 1852
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 255 x 372 mm
Parts: Captain Captain George Pechell Mends' 'Trafalgar' sketchbook: (inside front cover) 'Hints on Drawing' with a small watercolour landscape sketch (Sketchbook)