William Callow RWS ; Watercolour. "Dutch Sailing Vessel off the Coast"

A fine watercolour of Dutch warships by William Callow (1812-1908). We have not had the painting out of its frame, but it stated verso that the painting is inscribed on the reverse of the paper to the effect that it is based on an oil painting by Van de Velde at Belfort and dated 1851. It is entitled "Dutch sailing vessel off the coast", but it has open gun ports, so we assume it's a warship! It is also stated to have come from the collection of the artist's work of Mrs Callow. It seems to be painted on beige paper. William Callow was considered one of the most talented and prolific watercolourists of his day. He completed his training in Paris and remained there as an independent artist until 1841. He exhibited his paintings at the Salons every year and gave painting lessons to the French royal family! In 1841, he settled in London where he worked as a drawing master and submitted his paintings for exhibition. He became a full member of RWS in 1848, did many tours of Europe with his wife, and built up a successful and lucrative career.