Man-o'-war
1780
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1780
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a big sailing ship with lots of ropes and tall masts. The sails are loose, like the wind just blew through them. At the top, two flags flutter—one striped, one with a red cross. The water below is just a few quick lines, and the ship’s hull looks heavy and dark. The drawing feels hurried, with loose strokes and smudges. It’s not polished—more like a quick study than a finished picture. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like this.
