Fishing boats on the slipway – oil on canvas

A robust harbour scene in oil: two fishing boats (steam trawlers) lie side by side on the slipway or in the dock, seen from a low viewpoint so that the bows tower imposingly above the viewer. Tall masts, a yellow funnel, rigging and anchors; registration letters and numbers can be seen on the bow (photos 2 and 3). The painter works in muted greys, browns and reds on a visibly coarse canvas. The canvas is loose and not stretched, with slightly frayed edges and traces of an earlier fixing along the top edge. Light fold lines and some dirt, a few small paint losses. The back is discoloured with dark spots (traces of mould, photo 6). The paint layer itself is largely good. Artist: unknown; unsigned. Technique: oil on canvas (loose, not stretched). Period: first half of the 20th century (estimated). Origin: Western Europe.