Lot 56: W/C - 'Privateer Fame of Dublin Engages Four Ships From Marseilles' by William Payne (London, 1755-1830), marked 'W.P.' and 1789 lr on the original french lined mount (under the newer mat), marked verso in period 'A representation of the engagement

W/C - 'Privateer Fame of Dublin Engages Four Ships From Marseilles' by William Payne (London, 1755-1830), marked 'W.P.' and 1789 lr on the original french lined mount (under the newer mat), marked verso in period 'A representation of the engagement between the 'Fame', privateer of Dublin, Capt. Moore and four larger ships from Marseilles, three of which after obstinate resistance were captured, the fourth escaped, near Cape de Gat, 1781, W.P., 1789'. Payne was employed by the Royal Navy at the Portsmouth Yard at this time, drawing ships for the Admiralty. Set into a black and gold molded frame, later french lined mat, glazed, SS: 7 1/4" x 10 1/2", OS: 17 1/2" x 19 3/4", minor foxing, the painting is laid onto a second sheet of the same vintage laid paper with french lined border, all of which is hinged to the modern setting, minor foxing. A rare depiction of Naval combat by an official Royal Navy artist of the time.