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Notes

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Taylor White, Treasurer of the Foundling Hospital, commissioned this seascape painting in 1754. According to John Brownlow’s 'Memoranda or Chronicles of the Foundling Hospital', White had seen one of Brooking’s pictures in a shop. Brownlow also wrote that Brooking painted this picture in just 18 days, working in a room in the Foundling Hospital itself as the artist’s own garret was too small. Brooking was himself elected a Governor of the Hospital in June 1754 by which time his painting was on display. This painting, Brooking’s largest, was intended to be a companion piece to Peter Monamy’s seascape 'An English Fleet in the Downs'. Brooking was unfortunately not able to capitalise on the success of this painting due to his premature death in 1759 at the age of 36.

Foundling Museum

London

Title

A Flagship, Wearing the Flag of a Vice Admiral of the Red, before the Wind off the English Coast, with a Cutter, a Ketch-rigged Sloop and Other Shipping

Date

1754

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 177.8 x W 312.4 cm

Accession number

FM3

Acquisition method

commissioned; gift from the artist, 1754

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Signed: C. Brooking Pinx

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Foundling Museum

40 Brunswick Square, London, Greater London WC1N 1AZ England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Charles Brooking

1723–1759

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