A Royal Navy two-decker opening fire on a Spanish two-decker flying the flag of Ostend

Peter Monamy was born in London in 1681, the youngest son of a Guernseyman. Throughout his career he was heavily influenced by the works of Willem van de Velde, the Younger. Monamy was himself a collector of van de Velde's drawings and these clearly influenced his development as a maritime painter resulting in numerous comissions from mercantile and naval patrons, including the renowned Channel Island Naval families, the Durrels and the Saumarezs. Although his paintings usually depict actual ships, they rarely record specific events as, up until 1739, his career coincided with a long period of peace. From the 1730s until his death, Monamy was at the centre of London's artistic life and was a friend and companion of Hogarth, sometimes collaborating with the celebrated younger artist. Despite his many comissions however, he was never particularly prosperous and also painted decorative pictures specifically for commercial galleries and dealers.

Monamy was survived by his wife, and two daughters. It is interesting to note that his eldest daughter, Mary, married the marine painter Francis Swaine.