A First Rater, believed to be Nelson's flagship H.M.S. 'Victory' at anchor in Tor Bay, saluting the arrival of the frigate H.M.S. 'Anson', Thomas Luny, 1807

A first rater, believed to be nelson's flagship h. M. S. 'victory' at anchor in tor bay, saluting the arrival of the frigate h. M. S. 'anson' signed 'luny' and dated 1807 (lower left) lot number: /11207/lot/131/ the marine sale 14 sep 2004 bonhams expert says: the date of this work is slightly at variance with the recorded history of each of these two vessels, the possible explanation is that the painting was commissioned by an officer who had served in both ships and wanted luny to portray them together as a lasting memento. Thus, there is no reason to doubt their traditional identification even though it is unlikely, in fact, that the two warships were ever in company in tor bay. Moreover, the location was clearly one which suited the artist and whilst the essence of the composition is purely commemorative rather than factual, it remains a highly effective portrayal of two contemporary vessels. Date: 1807. Dimensions: 55.3 x 86.4cm. (21 3/4 x 34in.). Medium: oil on canvas. Depicted Place: Tor Bay. A First Rater, believed to be Nelson's flagship H.M.S. 'Victory' at anchor in Tor Bay, saluting the arrival of the frigate H.M.S. 'Anson'