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