SERRES, After John Thomas (1759-1825)

Dover, The Castle & part of the Town seen from the North Pier Head. Douvres. Le Château et partie de la Ville... To J. Spencer Smith Esqr. F.R.S. F.S.A. One of the Representatives in Parliament of the ancient Town & Cinque Port. This view taken from an original Drawing in his Collection is respectfully inscribed by Edwd. Orme

London: Edward Orme, 1 July 1803. Aquatint, coloured by hand, engraved 'under the direction of Edwd. Orme', marked 'proof' in lower right corner (small expert repairs to margins). Image size (including text): 15 1/8 x 23 inches. Sheet size: 19 1/8 x 24 1/4 inches.

A very fine proof impression of this rare view of the harbour, town and castle at Dover.

John Thomas Serres, elder son of the marine painter Dominic Serres "was born in December 1759, and followed his father's profession. He was for some time drawing-master to a marine school at Chelsea. In 1780 he began to exhibit at the Royal Academy, sending two water-colour views and a painting of Sir George Rodney engaging the Spanish squadron. In 1790 he went to Italy, visiting Paris, Lyons, Marseilles, Genoa, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, where he passed five months, and then proceeded to Naples.... In 1793 he succeeded his father as marine-painter to the king, and was also appointed marine draughtsman to the admiralty. In the latter capacity he was frequently employed in making sketches of the harbours on the enemy's coast, and had a vessel appointed for his service, receiving 100£ a month when on duty. He also contributed regularly (chiefly shipping and marine subjects) to the exhibitions of the Royal Academy till 1808. In 1801 he published a translation of The Little Sea-torch, a guide for coasting ships, illustrated by a large number of coloured aquatints, and in 1805 his Liber Nauticus, or instructor in the art of marine-drawing...." (DNB).

Item #5272

Price: $1,200.00