Lot 14: GEORGE WEBSTER FL.1797-1864

the former inscribed l.r.:Porto Venere the latter signed l,l,:G Webster

a pair, both oil on canvas

each 61 by 74 cm., 24 by 29 in.

Little is known about George Webster. He is known to have exhibited thirteen works at the Royal Academy between1797 and 1826. He also exhibited at the British Institution until 1832. In 1825 he exhibited his most ambitious scene, the Battle of Trafalgar which he had painted for the Epping Place Society. From an examination of his known works Webster appears to have been well travelled, and he may have visited Holland, the Gold Coast and the Lebanon. His works are always elegantly composed, and often contain accurate ship portraits combined with historical interest and dramatic elements of sea and sky.

Once called 'Portus Veneris' Porto Venere sits in the most western part of the Gulf of La Spezia. It has a dsitinguished marine history and in the twelfth century, on account of its strategic location in the bay, the Geonose fortified Porto Venere as a medieval stronghold and as a defence for their sea power.