Nicholas Pocock O.W.S. (1740-1821) - Smugglers at Portishead Point 1788

Nicholas Pocock produced this figure study which was used in various larger compositions by him (for example, see Bonhams 28 April 2009, lot 21). The men were likely smugglers, which was a favourite theme for Pocock. Vessels involved in this illicit trade often had to land on dangerous streches of the coastline and also at night fall. The location for the drawing is Portishead Point, which was close to Pocock's home city of Bristol, and a place he continually drew upon for inspiration.
 
Medium: Pencil and watercolour on paper.
 
Signed and dated lower left 'N Pocock 1788', 19 x 28 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: David Cross Gallery, Bristol (label verso).