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Description:
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The subject has traditionally been described as the 'Royal Anne' arriving with the Queen of Portugal at Spithead in 1708. However, the presence of the Hanoverian ‘GR’ on the stern of the boat between the principal ship and the yacht clearly indicates a date after 1714. Stylistically it is a mature work by Monamy, and is more likely to date from the late 1720s and to depict an event of that period. The three-decker with a commander-in-chief on board is positioned prominently in port-quarter view in the centre of the painting. The Union flag flies at the main together with a striped ensign at the stern that is the signal for the fleet to anchor. Also present are a vice-admiral of the red (red at the fore) and a rear-admiral of the blue (blue at the mizzen), together with a great many other ships of the fleet flying the colours of their respective squadrons. The painting is signed.
Monamy, a self-taught artist, was influenced by Willem van de Velde the Younger and may have worked in his studio.
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