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Oil on canvas, 54cm x 69.5cm
This energetic scene shows a Dutch fishing vessel in a bow view off the harbour at Portsmouth. In the heavy waves the crew are struggling with their cargo, perhaps preparing to unload into the small single masted double ended boat that has come alongside. In the foreground is a small rowing boat with two sailors and a couple of passengers heading for the shore.
The naval vessel in the background is probably intended to be Nelson's flagship 'Victory', which was moored in the harbour from 1835.
William Calcott Knell was probably the son of William Adolphus Knell (about 1808-1875), also a marine artist. He lived and exhibited in London, showing mainly coastal scenes. Like his father, he was heavily influenced by the Dutch tradition of marine painting.