Richard Paton (1717-91)
Sir Charles Knowles's Engagement with the Spanish Fleet off Havana. c.1770
Oil on canvas | 87.5 x 142.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406654
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Paton was a foundling who was encouraged to paint by his protector, Admiral Sir Charles Knowles. This is one of a pair of paintings (RCIN 406728 and 406654) executed in c. 1770 in which he celebrates the admiral's exploits.
This engagement took place on 1 October 1748 when Knowles took on a Spanish squadron off Havana; he destroyed their flagship Africa and captured the Conquistadore, in spite of the fact that his ship, the Cornwall had lost its top-mast. Paton shows many battle ships of the English and Spanish fleets engaging in battle on a calm sea; the two large central ships fly the British flags from their stern, the rear of the two with a broken top-mast must be the Cornwall.Provenance
First recorded at Hampton Court in 1849; in the Ante Room next to the Queen's Guard Chamber at Hampton Court in 1861 (no 1002)
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
87.5 x 142.7 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
109.8 x 165.1 x 10.5 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Knowles action with a Spanish Sqadron off Havannah in the isle of Cuba. October 1st, 1768.
