A fine work of art by the prolific Montague Dawson has a Royal Navy Revenue Ship of the British government chasing a full bodied brigantine carrying unknown goods in this dynamic scene. The drama shown of the men aloft and outward on the booms working the jib sails in interesting and full of danger, especially considering the muzzle flash and splash of the "taxmen" cannons. It is a rare Dawson painting to show deck activity and ships engaged in a pursuit.
Dawson said he himself "battled" through his blank canvases, from sketches, models and preliminary paintings to deliver his masterpieces. He was known for working day and night, driven to succeed and finding a personal joy at his chosen profession. As a young man his family lived in Southampton in the residence known then and now as "The Smuggler's House", and he served firsthand in the British Navy Reserve and was well familiar with the last sail/steam warships of the British Navy. Likely he'd have held sympathy for both crews he has painted in this exceptional marine narrative.
In the action, possibly taking place in the English Channel near "The Downs", a known haven for smugglers, Dawson's Revenue Service men have sighted and sprung upon a brigantine. It appears they themselves are sailing a barque, as it appears to have two sets of yards with stunsails set. Under a wicked sky, the ships, sea and setting radiate with the romance of high seas adventure.
