Two 'Javary'-class river monitors at sea RMG PU9910, William Lionel Wyllie, 1914

Two 'javary'-class river monitors at sea this depicts two of the three ex-brazilian river monitors of the 'javary' class, the closest from astern and the other on an altered course ahead, showing a partial port-broadside view. They were built by vickers, sons & maxim at barrow and all three were launched in 1913. On completion brazil could not afford to pay for them and they were laid up. On 3 august 1914 they were purchased for the royal navy and named 'humber', 'mersey' and 'severn'. All three were active throughout the war and were sold in 1920-21. It is not possible to say which two are depicted. Date: 1914. Dimensions: 163 mm x 189 mm. Collection: Fine art.