Thomas Yates (1765–1796)

Watercolour over pen and ink, 7 1/4 x 9 1/2 in (18.5 x 24 cm), Signed and dated 1792. Inscribed with title on reverse.

The position of the pennant shows the lightest of breezes. The vessels in the centre are taking advantage of the calm waters protected by the shingle of Keyhaven Spit at the end of which sits Hurst Castle. The larger vessels, inevitably, are further out, with furled sails and riding at anchor. A hazy Isle of Wight forms a backdrop beyond. Yates shows that he can match the best of the professional marine artists in the depiction of calm weather, achieving great luminosity in the water and wholly convincing reflections for the closer vessels.