Bidspirit auction | 1853 Marine Painting of a

1853 Marine Painting of a Three-Masted Sailing Vessel in the Downs - This mid-19th-century maritime work, executed in oil on board, depicts a three-masted sailing ship navigating turbulent green waters under a heavy, overcast sky. The vessel is shown in profile, with detailed attention paid to the rigging, hull, and the various flags flying from the masts. The painting is housed in a gilt-finished wooden frame with a stepped profile. The reverse of the support features several identifying marks. An embossed stamp in the center of the board reads ROBERSON & CO 51 LONG ACRE LONDON. Below this, an adhesive paper label with a black border contains printed text reading CHARLES ROBERSON & CO. ARTISTS COLOURS MANUFACTURERS 51, LONG ACRE, LONDON. A second larger paper label, also with a black border, contains handwritten ink script. The top line reads 1853, followed by text that appears to read West India and in the Downs. The label includes printed headers for Date and Per which remain blank. The presence of the Roberson & Co. marks confirms the support was produced by the prominent British artist supplier located at 51 Long Acre between 1828 and 1853. Width: 13 inches Height: 11.5 inches. The painting exhibits deep and extensive craquelure across the entire paint surface, most notably throughout the sky and the sails of the vessel (photo 2). There is a small area of paint loss at the bottom center of the composition where the board is visible (photo 2). The surface shows a significant accumulation of dirt and a yellowed varnish layer. On the verso, the paper labels are heavily foxed, water-stained, and partially torn with some loss to the printed and handwritten text (photo 4, 5). The gilt frame shows wear along the edges and some minor losses to the gilded finish (photo 1). The hanging wire on the reverse shows oxidation (photo 3). These are antique condition characteristics.