Fishing boats in moonlight

George Henry Andrews (1816-1898) was a British agricultural engineer, illustrator, and watercolourist. His artistic career began when he accompanied Richard W.H. Howard-Vyse on an archaeological expedition to Egypt, serving both as engineer and eventually illustrator for Howard-Vyse’s subsequent three-volume Operations Carried on at the Pyramids of Gizeh (London, 1840-42). Back in England, Andrews worked as a book illustrator as well as for The Illustrated London News and The Graphic, and he joined the Old Watercolour Society, exhibiting regularly from 1840. As the Royal Navy Artist, Andrews joined the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) on an extensive tour of North America and Canada in 1860.

As a watercolour artist, Andrews specialised in landscapes and marine subjects. In this, he was following an established tradition of marine landscapes that emphasised Britain’s naval history and connection to the sea. Andrews’ numerous voyages provided him with first-hand knowledge of ships and experience of the sea and changing weather conditions, which was considered necessary to succeed as a marine artist.

In this example, he is portraying the dangerous conditions of sailing at night-time. The absence of details in the fishing boat at the back of the composition is a chilling reminder of the lack of visibility in dark or foggy conditions.

Further reading:

Mallalieu, H.L. (1986), The Dictionary of British Watercolour Artists up to 1920: Volume I – The Text, 2nd edition, Suffolk: Antique Collectors’ Club.