This work is a fine example by the Italian sea painter Tommaso de Simone. It depicts a rare screw propelled ship-of-the-line, quite possibly, the 90 gun H.M.S. LONDON, one of the unique hybrid steam/sail warships of the mid-19th century. Noted for his accuracy and detail, the artist's skillful execution of his ships is regarded as definitive by those versed in naval architecture.
De Simone's artistic prowess has placed the ship powering to windward with only her staysails raised to ease her rolling motion in a dramatic scene of building seas and ominous skies. The dark yet softly glowing tones in the clearing sky nicely accent the overall scene and faithfully create the realistic atmosphere of a waning storm at sea.
Paintings of warships were a specialty of Tommaso de Simone. Examples of his works appear in American, British, French, Italian and numerous other naval museums as well as notable private collections the world over.
