Samuel Atkins (1760-1810)

Untitled (A Maritime Scene)

Watercolor

Signed lower right “Atkins”

Sight size: 11 1/4 x 15 1/4"

Frame size: 18 x 22 1/4"

Little is known about Samuel Atkins, a watercolor marine artist, who worked during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Born in London in 1760, Atkins began exhibiting his work at the Royal Academy in 1787 and would continue to do so over the next 21 years. Atkins sailed with the East India Trading Company from 1796 to 1804, thus many of his works include Trading Company portraiture and vessels. The skillful mastery of Atkins's maritime scenes reflects the expertise he gained during these voyages. Upon returning to England, Atkins entered his last Royal Academy exhibition in 1808. He taught drawing before his death in 1810 at the age of 50.

This untitled work demonstrates Atkins's remarkable skill as a watercolorist. Both vessels are finely detailed and nautically accurate in regards to their masts, and rigging from bow to stern. Each ship flies the civil ensign of the British Empire marking them as merchant vessels. Atkins's use of grays and blues demonstrates the powerful ocean on which he sails.

Samuel Atkins works can be found in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, both in London, and the National Maritime Museum, in Greenwich England, and the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts.