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John Scott (British 1802-1885)
Signed and dated, 'J Scott 1844' (lower right)
oil on canvas
52.5 x 76cm (20 11/16 x 29 15/16in).
Footnotes
This early painting by John Scott provides an interesting study of a variety of local craft viewed from seaward with South Shields in the background towards the left margin. Its attraction lies in the variety of subjects, ranging from the humble rowing boat with its two passengers in the right foreground, to the inward bound paddle tug Reaper just beyond. Occupying the central foreground is a heavily laden spritsail rigged working boat under minimum sail, making for the quayside on the left. A similar boat under full sail is visible beyond her bow bowling along upstream, whilst centrally to the left of the steamer is an outward bound brig making good use of the favourable wind.
Scott went to sea at an early age and later became a pupil of John Wilson Carmichael. Eventually settling in South Shields where he was born, he lived there for the rest of his life. The combination of formal tuition and Scott's ability to 'see with the eye of a seaman' accounts for his technical accuracy and grasp of maritime detail. Although his works mostly comprise deep sea sailing vessels, contemporary steamers, and a variety of local small craft, they also include landscape and topographical views. He was also capable of recording major events such as his imposing canvas of the opening of the Tyne Dock in 1859. Complementing his artistic talents, he was also a skilled model maker and won a gold medal for his model of an improved lifeboat in the London 1851 Great Exhibition.
We are grateful to Dr. Sam Davidson for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.
























