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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

Large Victorian Marine Oil Painting – Shipwreck and Rescue Seascape off Whitby Abbey Coast – William Henry Williamson (1820–1883)

Subject & Medium
A superb large Victorian marine oil painting on canvas by the listed British marine artist William Henry Williamson (1820–1883). The scene depicts a dramatic shipwreck and coastal rescue: a dismasted three-masted merchant sailing ship struggles in stormy seas while a smaller rescue craft approaches close under dangerous conditions. On the headland, figures watch and prepare rescue ropes, with a distant ruined abbey on the cliffs, plausibly inspired by Whitby Abbey on the Yorkshire coast.

Composition & Technique
This is classic 19th century nautical art with strong movement and atmosphere. Williamson uses sweeping diagonals to drive the eye through the rolling waves toward the stricken vessel. A broken mast floats in the foreground, torn sails and rigging strain in the wind, and seabirds circle beneath a dramatic storm sky. The palette is rich and moody: deep storm greens and slate greys dominate, lifted by pale foaming highlights and warmed by earthy tones in the cliffs and abbey. A highly decorative, statement marine seascape with real presence.

Historical Significance
Victorian shipwreck and rescue paintings were immensely popular in Britain during the age of sail, reflecting the dangers of coastal waters and the nation’s maritime identity. Scenes like this, set on the North Sea / Yorkshire coast, remain highly collectible as antique marine paintings, nautical décor and traditional seascapes for period and country house interiors.

About the Artist
William Henry Williamson (1820–1883) was a listed British marine painter known for seascapes, storm scenes, shipwrecks and rescue subjects. Active in London and coastal regions, he gained recognition for dramatic skies and energetic seas and is recorded in published biographies as having exhibited at the Royal Academy. His works continue to appear at auction and are sought after by collectors of Victorian marine art.

Colours
Main colours: deep storm green, slate/charcoal grey, muted earth brown.
Accent colours: ivory/off-white, steel blue, warm ochre/gold.

Size
Overall framed size: 136.2 cm wide × 91 cm high
Depth: 10 cm
Canvas recorded at auction: approximately 60 × 105 cm

Framed
Presented in a substantial, ornate gilt frame of impressive scale, enhancing the drama and giving the painting excellent wall presence. Ideal for a large wall in a library, hall, living room, study, boardroom or coastal interior.

Provenance
Private collections.
Tennants Auctioneers, Leyburn, Country House Sale, 2023 (auction provenance).
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Condition Report
Fine used condition. Canvas has been relined and shows age-related craquelure and areas of foxing consistent with age. The paint surface is stable and visually strong. The frame has wear, scuffs, small losses and cracking in places commensurate with age.

Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured. Please enquire for a delivery quote, additional photographs or further information.

  • Period: 1860's
    • Price: £8,000.00
    • €9,210 Euro
    • $10,866 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 91cm (35.83in)
    • W: 136.2cm (53.62in)
    • D: 10cm (3.94in)