Att. Copley Fielding P.O.W.S. (1787-1855) - Dover Harbour

This fascinating watercolour of Dover Harbour is attributed to the prolific watercolourist Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding. A label attached to the back of the frame dates the work to around 1812 and offers other insights to the work. It was bought in Marlborough in 1987 and there are various numbers attached to the picture suggesting it was from a Fine Arts Fair. There is furthermore the name 'Damp' inscribed which may have been an original owner, and also white pencil stencils indicating this work perhaps was sold through Christie's or Sotheby's in the past.
 
Intriguingly, the name Richard Parkes Bonington is also listed as a possible attribution. The style would certainly fit this artist and he was known to have painted various works of Dover. Frustratingly, there are no further inscriptions on the back of the watercolour. The quality of the draughtsmanship indicates that the artist was certainly an expert in marine landscapes. Further research may help to attribute this important early work of Dover Harbour to the correct artist. We are selling it as attributed to Copley Fielding as this corresponds to the label on the reverse, however it could easily be by Bonington, or another early 19th century British marine artist. 
 
Medium: pencil and watercolour with sepia washes on paper.
 
Inscribed 'Dover Harbour' on mount, 14 x 24.6 cm, framed.
 
Provenance:  Bought at a Fine Arts Fair in Marlborough 25/8/87, see label verso; Collection of Dr Edward Brett.
 
Condition report: The watercolour itself is in excellent condition for its age, the mount has a small time stain along the left handside border as shown in the photos.