Portsmouth Harbour
1780
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1780
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a packed harbor scene with people swarming around a giant cannon on wheels. In the background, ships sit in the water near a tower and buildings. Everyone looks busy—some are pushing the cannon, others are watching, and a few kids play in the dirt. The artist packed in lots of tiny figures, making the crowd feel alive and chaotic. The title at the bottom says it’s about French prizes (ships) brought into Portsmouth Harbor. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this sketch in person.
