Skip to content
Log inRegister
    HomePaintingsDrawingsPrintsBrowse all worksWilson collectionsWilson collections mapTercentenary exhibitionOther exhibitionsProject highlightsThemes and mediaBiographiesBibliographical Resources
    Advanced search
    Work of ArtBiographiesExhibitionsBibliographical Resources
    Settings
    Pages
    300 years
    "Manchester 1925" is linked to these Works
    of 41

    A Skirmish in Rowing-Boats in the Bay of Baiae, an Island beyond

    A Skirmish in Rowing-Boats in the Bay of Baiae, an Island beyond
    A Skirmish in Rowing-Boats in the Bay of Baiae, an Island beyond
    A Skirmish in Rowing-Boats in the Bay of Baiae, an Island beyond
    Private Collection
    title=Credit line
    Larger imageShareFeedback
    Artist
    Richard Wilson (1713/14-1782)
    Title
    A Skirmish in Rowing-Boats in the Bay of Baiae, an Island beyond
    Date
    c.1754-6 (undated)
    Medium
    Pencil, black chalk and stump, white chalk, in an inscribed circle on grey paper
    Dimensions
    Metric: 175 x 185 mm
    Imperial: 6 3/4 x 7 3/8 in.
    Collection
    Private Collection
    Wilson Online Reference
    D338
    Description
    Within a circular format a sea-battle is being fought between armed men in two boats in the foreground, with others in the water and a third boat behind at the left before a tower and arch. Across the bay is a mountainous landscape, probably intended as the volcanic islet of Nisida.
    Exhibited
    London 1925 (106 - Bay of Baiae); Manchester 1925 (43 - Bay of Baiae); London, Courtauld Institute Galleries, 1963, The John Witt Collection, Part II, English School (19)
    Provenance
    William Lock of Norbury; his sale, Sotheby's London 3-7 May 1821 (386); William Esdaile; his sale, Christie's, London, 19 March 1838; Charles Fairfax Murray; Sir Robert and Lady Witt; John Witt; Bernard Milling; Sotheby's, London, 19 February 1987 (49); Christie's, London, 5 July 2011 (118); Private Collection
    Signature/inscription
    Unsigned; no inscription
    Collectors' marks
    [1] Verso, lower left: unknown mark
    Verso inscriptions
    [1] Ink, lower left: 1821 WE Lock's sale N100 | Wilson
    [2] Pencil, lower left: 116
    [3] Pencil, centre: 762
    Critical commentary
    Wilson visited Naples and the surrounding area in 1752, in 1753 or 1754 with Lord Dartmouth and again in 1756. The drawing was formerly known as Bay of Baiae
    Condition/Conservation
    The sheet has been taped along the upper edge into acid-free housing. There is a very small pinhole towards the centre of the upper edge and there are some very scattered fox marks. The sheet is slightly cockled but overall it is in good condition.
    Updated by Compiler
    14/11/2016

    Exhibitions

    • London, National Gallery, Millbank (Tate Gallery), 26 June - 30 September 1925
    • Manchester City Art Gallery, 22 October - 5 December 1925

    Biographies

    • Sir Robert Clermont Witt (1872-1952)
    • William Lock 'of Norbury' (1732-1810)
    • William Esdaile (1758-1837)
    • Charles Fairfax Murray (1849-1919)
    © Richard Wilson OnlineCreditsCopyright & DisclaimerPrivacy