Peter Monamy was the first English-born and English-trained specialist marine artist. He recorded the marine scene of the first half of the 18th century, when English commerce and sea power were growing rapidly. He was a friend and contemporary of Hogarth and he was the precursor of the great school of English Sea Painters. This book gives a detailed account of his life and, for the first time, a proper assessment of his enormous artistic output. Particular attention has been given to "recognition details" of his technique and picture construction, which differentiate his work from others. The last two chapters consider, in some detail, the work of his "school" of more minor - but pleasing - artists who followed his tradition.
