Robert Cleveley (1747-1809) - Dutch boats unloading
Robert Cleveley was the twin brother of John Cleveley (1747-1786) who was also an accomplished maritime artist. Robert 'went into the Royal Dockyard at Deptford, a place in which his father had influence, and became a caulker. In 1770 he volunteered into the Royal Navy as a clerk, and served as Captain William Locker's clerk in the Thames until 1773, when Captain George Vandeput took over command, and Robert followed him to the Asia, and so went to the North American and West Indies stations until discharged on her return in 1777. His ambition was to be a painter, and as his brother John was the pupil of his father and Paul Sandby, then it is fair to assume that Robert was too. Whereas his brother John went in for voyages of discovery, Robert took up battles, since this was a profitable line, during the American War of Independence. The profit lay in getting commissions for paintings that were engraved, and these engravings of British victories were best sellers with the public. This was also an area where important patronage could be sought and Robert, who had first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1780, showed two paintings in 1790, on the subject of the Duke of Clarence's public engagements; he was appointed Draughtsman to His Royal Highness the following year. This connection must have beeen instrumental to his appointment as Marine Painter to the Prince Regent. His work is not very like that of his father and brother, being more atmospheric and in tune with the later trends of the 18th century.' [1]
Our watercolour of a Dutch scene is reminiscent of Willem Van de Velde the Younger (1633-1707) who was still having a large influence on British maritime art. J.M.W. once said it was Van de Velde that made him want to become an artist. In our work, Cleveley has followed the Dutch masters style and also that of Peter Monamy (1681-1749).
Medium: watercolour over pencil on laid paper, 15 x 19.5cm, framed.
Provenance: Anonymous sale, Christie's, 31st July 1973, lot 66, see plate VI; Anonymous sale, Sotheby's, 26th January 1996, lot 97 (see labels verso); James Hall Collection.
Bibliography:
[1] E.H.H. Archibald, 'Dictionary of Sea Painters', Antique Collectors' Club: Woodbridge, 1980. See page 84.
Condition report: in very good condition for its age.