Rare Views of Jamaica to Sell at Bonhams

A rare early 19th century view of Jamaica by John Lynn (1828–1838), The barque Woodmansterne calling for a pilot off Port Royal, Jamaica, upon arrival after her maiden voyage, 1829,is to be sold at Bonhams, New Bond Street, as part of The Marine Sale on 28 September 2010.

It is believed to be one of only two views of Jamaica in Lynn's oeuvre (the other being in the collection of the National Maritime Museum, London), and is estimated at £60,000 – 80,000.

The picture was commissioned by the ship's owners Blaksley & Co. to commemorate the completion of the vessel's maiden voyage.

From the same Bermudan private collection come two other views of Jamaica: Thomas Butterworth's H.M.S. Blake leaving Port Royal, Jamaica (estimate £6,000 – 8,000); and William Dennis's A view of His Majesty's Dockyard at Port Royal, Jamaica, circa 1810 (estimate £800 – 1,200).

Other highlights in the sale include two paintings by the eminent maritime artist Montague Dawson (1890-1973): A fair wind and Idle Sails, estimated at £60,000 – 80,000 and £30,000 – 50,000 respectively; and a picture by Ramsgate-born maritime painter Francis Holman (1729-1784) of the action between the fleets of Rear-Admiral Sir Samuel Hood and the French Comte de Grasse in Frigate Bay, St Kitts on 26 January 1782 (estimate £50,000 – 70,000).