Shipping Becalmed in the Solent<br><p>Most of Charles Brooking's extant paintings date from the last six years of his career and are principally marine subject matter. His reputation as a marine artist was well established by 1755, and his stylistic range shows the influences of Simon de Vlieger and Willem van de Velde the Younger, although his approach was mostly individualistic. His careful attention to detail demonstrates an informed knowledge of maritime practice and naval architecture.
</p><p>In this large painting Brooking takes up the naval parades Simon de Vlieger had developed a century before. Across the calm, shallow waters in the foreground showing fishermen following their trade, larger vessels including a three-decker in the centre of the composition lie becalmed with their reflection visible on the surface of the Solent. The banks of the river can be made out in the background. The artist has chosen a summer sky with some clouds. The painting is signed.<br></p>
Shipping Becalmed in the Solent
<bdi><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Charles_Brooking" class="extiw" title="w:en:Charles Brooking"><span title="British painter (1723-1759)">Charles Brooking</span></a>
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18<sup>th</sup> century <div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1750-00-00T00:00:00Z/7</div>
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