An outward-bound 18-gun merchantman at the 'Tail of the Bank' portrayed in three positions

The observer looks northwards from this well-known Clyde anchorage towards the Rosneath peninsula, with the rugged Argyll mountains in the distance. Confirmation is provided by Rosneath Castle, the prominent white building visible just in front of the ship's foremast. At this date, Britain was at war not only with France, but also with the United States of America, which would account for the defensive arming of the merchant vessel depicted. That she is not a regular warship is indicated by the (as yet unidentified) merchant houseflag at the foremast, clearly displaying the initial 'B'. Equally interesting is the long pennant worn naval fashion at the mainmast, suggesting that the owner has been granted a letter of marque as a privateer and is authorised to capture or destroy enemy shipping.

Having weighed anchor and with sails set and drawing, she is 'hove-to'. That is, the yards on the mainmast are temporarily 'backed', acting as a brake, allowing the pilot or other last minute arrival to climb aboard from the boat secured alongside.

Robert Salmon was a native of Whitehaven, England, An obsessive worker, he travelled widely throughout Great Britain with a long period of residence at Greenock (1811-22) and two at Liverpool (1806-11 and 1822-25), before emigrating to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1828.

Christie's are grateful to Sam Davidson for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.