Charles Martin Powell (English) (1776-1824)
Born in Chichester, C M Powell was a self-taught artist, a fact which reflects great credit on him when one considers the beautiful draughtsmanship and ‘professional’ execution of his pictures. Although it is known that he served his apprenticeship as a sailor, it is unclear as to whether or not Powell was ever a member of the Royal Navy.
He travelled extensively, painting Plymouth, Southampton, Portsmouth and numerous subjects in the English Channel. He is known to have painted scenes in the Mediterranean and he visited Holland frequently -–indeed, the Dutch marine artists provided much of his inspiration, his works fully reflected the traditional Dutch style of sea painting.
He ultimately died penniless aged 49.
His London exhibits totaled 40, of which twenty-nine were at the Royal Academy and eleven at the British Institution. Nearly all these pictures were true sea pieces. Although he never benefited from the financial security that a patron might have brought him, he was left free to paint whatever he wished in his own style. His work is rarely on the market, not because of a paucity of numbers, but because of ownership jealously guarded by collectors who have recognized that genuine knowledge of ships renders him superior to many of his contemporaries. Powell had a first-hand understanding of the sea and of how boats move in the water, and he also used to great effect the dramatic play of light and dark, inspired by the 18th century Dutch masters.
BRITISH MAN O’WAR WITH DUTCH SAILING VESSELS IN
A CHOPPY SEA, 1805