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This is a large fine early 18th century oil on canvas depicting an English Man O’ War firing ‘The Morning Gun’ at anchor alongside two other ships of the line. This 400 year old painting is a rare work by the important early English marine painter, John Cook (act. 1720-1750). The painting dates to around 1720 and is signed J. Cook Fecit; ‘fecit’ being the archaic Latin suffix used by artists up until 18th century, and literally meaning ‘he made it’.
John Cook’s work is often confused with that of the foremost marine painter of the early 18th century, Peter Monamy. Cook is best known for his maritime scenes of English warships in the Mediterranean, frequently off Alexandria.
Dimensions: (framed) 115cm x 84cm (45¼” x 33¼”)
Dimensions: (canvas only) 101cm x 71cm (39¾” x 28”)
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Provenance: Important Fine UK collection.
Presentation: 20th century neoclassical giltwood frame.