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Notes
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The Spanish 74-gun ship, 'Glorioso', was on her way to Cadiz from Ferrol, where she had landed treasure, when she was attacked by a number of English ships including the 'Royal Family' squadron of privateers commanded by Commodore Walker. She was engaged by several ships of inferior force including Walker's privateer the 'King George', 32 guns, which kept up a close but unequal struggle for several hours, and the 'Dartmouth', 50 guns, which blew up. After a five-hour battle, the 'Glorioso' was finally captured by the 'Russell', 80 guns, which was returning half-manned from the Mediterranean. The last shots of the action are shown with the 'Russell' and 'Glorioso' in the centre of the picture, both running in starboard-bow view. In a calm sea, the 'Glorioso', right, has lost her topmast, her ensign is being struck and there is a sailor on her bowsprit taking down the jack.
Most of the artist's paintings date to the last six years of his career and are principally marine subject matter. Brooking's reputation as a marine artist was well established by 1755. In 1754 he completed a commission from The Foundling Hospital, London, for a large sea-piece, and in the same year was elected as one of The Foundling Hospital's governors and guardians. Although his stylistic range shows the influences of Simon de Vlieger and Willem van de Velde II, his approach was uncompromisingly individualistic, with close attention to maritime detail.
Title
The Capture of the 'Glorioso', 8 October 1747
Date
c.1747
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 81.2 x W 141.5 cm
Accession number
BHC0371
Work type
Painting