One of the earliest known paintings by artist Robert Salmon is this striking and well performed two-position portrait of the British Ship ESTRIDGE off the Dover coast. Painted very much in the traditional sense, it still is quite accomplished and the level of competency evident for the then-25 year old artist indicates that he had been at his craft well prior to this. It is speculated that we may have begun painting in Whitehaven as early as 15, and studied with Daniel Hay, a noted port-painter and engraver of the northwest British coasts. Liverpool’s William Jackson is also cited as an influence, but Salmon would rise well beyond either of these men.

ESTRIDGE is flying a naval pennant from the main, and a British ensign aft mast, and the singular “W” code flag. At this time, with the full hostilities of the Napoleonic campaign embroiling the world, British merchant ships flew identity flags as assigned from the Holyhead Station before Liverpool. Twenty-five years would pass before the establishment of the Marryat Code would become the standard. The ship is undoubtably under government contract in transporting either troops or supplies.

The eye for detail shows, such as the name of the merchant vessel subtle yet visible on the stern counter rail. Salmon’s ocean has a nice rhythmic chop and stylized wave crests in his departure from the Dutch predecessors of marine art. He would continue to grow as an artist and become one of the most important early luminist marine painters in America, working in Boston for a significant period of his successful career.