William Mulready
, Irish, 1786-1863
Title
Vessels in a Squall off the CoastDate19th century
MediumBlack chalk on blue paper
Dimensions
31.7 x 49.5 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 2003
Object numberNGI.19608
DescriptionThis accomplished black chalk drawing is by the Irishborn artist William Mulready, better known for his colourful genre scenes painted in oils. His family moved to London when he was a boy. He attended the Royal Academy Schools where he met John Varley (1778-1842), who became his mentor. The drawing combines spontaneity with precision to achieve a real sense of the turbulence of the wind and waves buffeting the ships. Maritime scenes are rare in Mulready’s oeuvre, although the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester holds a collection of his drawings of waves which date to 1845.ProvenancePurchased, Christie’s, London, 15 May 2003, lot 31