Port Royal, a den of iniquity for pirates in the early 18th century and the scene of pirate 'Calico' Jack Rackham's execution at Gallows Point in 1724, was the base for the Royal Navy's West Indies Station 1655-1830, its headquarters at Fort Charles, glimpsed on the spit beyond the schooner's bow. The dockyard continued to be used through the 19th century after the West Indies or 'Jamaica Station' was merged with the North American Station in 1830. For a similar composition see John Lynn's larger oil 'The barque Woodmansterne calling for a pilot at Port Royal' (Bonhams, London, 28 Sept. 2010, lot 205). Huggins's ship here has been tentatively identified as HMS Pickle (the third naval vessel of that name), a schooner of 5 guns, launched in Bermuda 1827. She was involved in the suppression of the slave trade, and achieved fame for capturing the armed slave ship Voladora off the coast of Cuba on 5 June 1829. She was broken up in 1847.
Post Lot Text
This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see the Conditions of Sale for further information.