Nicholas Pocock 1740-1821. English School 18th.Century Pencil and watercolour study of a man holding a baby aloft. Laid to old album sheet, central horizontal fold, some cockling and old mount staining. Provenance: Arnold Fellows Collection No.161. From a sketch book belonging to the artist. 7.5 by 15 cms to mounted image.
Pocock was born at Bristol, the son of a sailor. He followed his father's profession and was master of a merchant ship by the age of 26. During his time at sea, he became a skilled artist by making ink and wash sketches of ships and coastal scenes for his log books. As a result of the Revolutionary War and its effect on transatlantic trade Pocock gave up the sea and devoted himself to painting. The first of his works being exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1782. He was commissioned to produce a series of paintings illustrating Rodney's victory at the Battle of the Saints and in 1789, he moved to London where his reputation and contacts continued to grow. He was a favourite of Samuel Hood and was appointed Marine Painter to King George 3rd.