Adolphus Knell, British fl.c.1860-c.1890- A clipper... Lot 162

Adolphus Knell, British fl.c.1860-c.1890- A clipper on choppy waters at sunset; oil on canvas, signed 'Adolphus Knell' (lower right), 35.7 x 46 cm. (unframed). Provenance: Private Collection, UK. Note: Adolphus Knell is not to be confused with William Adolphus Knell (1801-1875), who is believed to be the former's father, making the artist William Calcott Knell (1830-1880) his brother. As such, Adolphus Knell was part of a family of prolific marine painters. The artist often depicted scenes at dawn or dusk, with ships on the waves set against a low sun, or at night, under a bright, atmospheric moonlight. The present work depicts a particularly striking sky, with the red of the setting sun contrasting with the yellow, purple, and pale blue hues of the sky, alongside the deep greens of the waves, to create an especially vibrant and evocative effect.