Samuel Owen (1768-1857) - Fishermen rowing out to sea

Samuel Owen's best watercolours were produced between 1827 and 1835 according to Peter Sutton who wrote an important biography on the life and works of the artist in 2012. [1]. Owen was particularly good at the using the medium of watercolour and had a 'way to bring out so many details and textures in his paintings with some very delicate washes'. [2] Our watercolour is a fine example from this period and shows a group of fishermen rowing out to sea in stormy weather. Two of their group have telescopes on the shore and appear to be guiding their colleagues . The hint of the white cliffs on the left of the watercolour suggest this depiction is on the south coast of England near to Dover.
 
This watercolour comes with superb provenance having been in the important collections of Sir Bruce Ingram and later his nephew Michael Ingram. Both had a genuine love and interest in British watercolours from the 18th to 19th century and collected fine examples from sometimes forgotten artists. Furthermore, seascapes were an integral part of both collections. 
 
Medium: watercolour over pencil heightened with touches of bodycolour on paper, signed l.l. 'S OWEN 28', 8 x 12 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: Sir Bruce Ingram (L.1405a); Michael Ingram; Sotheby's 'The Ingram Collection' Sale, 8th December 2005, lot 217; Maurice Edward Dear, Fine Art Dealers, Southampton (label verso).
 
Bibliography:
 
[1] Peter Sutton, 'Samuel Owen: Artist and Sea Captain, Biography of his life and works', Spauda Printing House, Lithuania: 2012).
 
[2] Ibid., p.202.
 
Condition report: the watercolour is in excellent condition. The frame shows small amounts of wear, please see photographs.