"A Victim of the Sea Wolf: Lord Cochrane's Speedy brings a prize into Port Mahon"

Oil on Linen Canvas

21 5/8 x 29 1/3 inches (55 x 74.5 cm)

Signed, lower right

Framed in a hand-finished gilt frame with white gesso slip

World-wide exclusive - only available from Marine Artists

Commander Lord Cochrane took command of the 14-gun brig Speedy in March 1800. Although he thought her “little more than a burlesque of a vessel of war”, Cochrane and Speedy terrorised the French and Spanish in the western Mediterranean, taking over fifty prizes. Cochrane himself is supposed to have become known to the French as le loup de mer (the Sea Wolf) so great was the fear inspired by his reputation as a raider.

In Maarten Platje’s romantic and atmospheric painting we see Speedy returning by moonlight from a cruising raid, bringing a prize back to Speedy’s base at Port Mahon in Minorca.

This picture sums up the thrill, danger and excitement of operating a small, under-gunned ship in largely hostile seas against greatly superior opponents. Lit only by a bright, full moon and lamp light on deck, we see Cochrane and his crews slipping back to their home port, triumphant but always vigilant. Although a night scene, the impression is not of darkness and there is exceptional detail to be seen in the ships, cannon, rigging and figures.

Cochrane and Speedy are so famous for the extraordinary taking of the Spanish frigate El Gamo, immortalised in fact and in Patrick O’Brian’s fiction, that it can be forgotten that Speedy had a very dashing career before she was commanded by Cochrane. Captured by the French in 1794 and regained the following year, she saw frantic actions against superior odds under Commanders Downman and Brenton (later of HMS Spartan fame) before Cochrane took over. It could be said that the little ship brought the best out of dashing and resourceful commanders.

The Sea Wolf himself lived a life at this time completely in keeping with his reputation. As well as taking so many prizes, Cochrane fought a duel in Malta in February 1801 with a French Royalist, who he wounded. May that year saw the incredible capture of El Gamo. But in early July something occurred that is at odds with the Cochrane myth – Speedy and Cochrane were overtaken by a strong French force under Admiral Linois and Cochrane struck his colours.

Exchanged shortly afterwards, Cochrane faced his second court-martial and was acquitted honourably for the loss of his ship. For the spirited British Speedy, though, it was the end. Re-named Saint Paul in the French navy and then San Paolo in the service of the Papal States, her days of dashing capture and victory were behind her.

Marine Artists are exclusive agents in Great Britain for the exciting Dutch marine painter Maarten Platje.

To buy the original painting or reserve it contact Charles Mayes

cm@marineartists.co.uk +44(0)79 4179 8655

The price includes professional shipping, delivery & insurance to any address world-wide

A larger photograph / full description available on request

VAT does not apply