The 18-gun sloop HMS Stork engaging the French brig Cygne and two armed schooners anchored off the Pearl Rock, Martinique, on 12 December 1808

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The canvas has been subject to relining; it is held under tension and remains stable. The painting presents well in natural light, examination reveals the drawing, modelling and detail to be seemingly intact. The texture of the fluid brushwork is similarly well preserved. There are some very minor spots of retouching visible in natural light to the upper edge of the canvas. Examination under UV light reveals some very minor spots of retouching in the water and a line of approximately 5 cm. in length to the left-hand edge of the composition. The paint layer is stable.