Five 18th century ships in direct service to the crown of England, each crewed with loyal subjects, make way from the Dover Coast. Such a squadron would be about a decidedly military purpose. Perhaps they are set to stop pirate deprivations in the channel, possibly chasing the notorious Frenchman Jean du Villianue or the semi-infamous Evan of Wales. Packing plenty of powder and a full contingent of marines, they may be headed for a rendezvous against their Dutch or Spanish counterparts. Their mission may well take them to the shores of the new world, with the promise of wealth and high-sea challenge. Over twenty per cent of all shipping traffic to Great Britain in the 1700s came from the American colonies.
Frank Henry Mason has portrayed in this work in a most painterly fashion. His strong talent with the suggestive qualities of watercolor, its opaic nature enhancing the shine of the carved gilt sterns and bows, the uniform colors and the gossamer quality to the regal St. George cross ensigns shown aloft each ship. Note the presence of both red and blue squadron pennants.
The artist drew his inspiration from the Tudor period, during which England rose from a European challenger to claim the dominant role in world colonialism and trade. Her warships protected country merchant interests first, and empowered the nation into possessing the world's dominant naval force until the opening forays of the War of 1812.
