The Morning Gun
1805
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1805
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows two big sailing ships with lots of ropes and sails anchored in calm water. In the foreground, a small boat carries three people—one standing and holding an oar, another sitting, and a third person in the boat. The sky is soft and pale, and the water looks still, reflecting the ships lightly. The standing figure in the boat is holding a telescope, maybe scanning the ships or the horizon. The ships’ sides are lined with rows of cannon ports, suggesting they’re warships. If you like this scene, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see it in person.
