Q & A

J.P. of Victoria, B.C. writes:

I inherited this tole painted tray several years ago from my parents (both deceased) and I am trying to get a handle on the painting. The story goes that this tray was painted for Lord Nelson after the battle of the Nile and that it depicts that battle. I cannot find a signature on the painting although it is quite dirty. I have had a antique expert look at it and he had indicated that it is indeed a period piece and he considered it to be very well painted.. I have sent digital photos to Christie’s and they have indicated it's value at auction around 2000 pounds.

What I am trying to figure out is what the painting is about (an email back from the Martime museum indicated they were having a hard time deciding the battle) who may of painted it and whether or not I should have it cleaned...... the tray is metal and 30" across and 23" tall. There are no markings on the side or back. I am including the emails I got back from the museum and Christie’s ... any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

We asked Bill Brayley to respond:

I think that the two emails (below) pretty much sum up the information. It's a super piece and although Christie’s didn't say I think it could do better as I think that this year is an anniversary for the battle of Waterloo or Trafalgar.

As far as getting it restored or cleaned I wouldn't suggest it at a distance without handling it. My recommendation to the owner would be that he only deal with a qualified restorer, one that would understand the type of paint used on the tray. Because it is probably a thin layer of paint on metal a professional would understand how to clean it without over cleaning it, which would ruin the surface. If it were mine I'd ask to see the restorer’s credentials and ensure they would be qualified to undertake this specific type of restoration. As well I would ask for references.

Following are the e-mails from the Maritime Museum and from Christie's.

Maritime Museum:

We think this is more likely to be the battle of Trafalgar than the Nile. The white ensign on the main ship is important. If it has the red diagonal St Patick's cross (added 1801) superimposed on the white diagonal cross then it is probably Trafalgar - if not, the Nile. It should be possible to find the print this is based on - but as not all items on the database have images I have been unable to identify it. It looks very well painted so I wonder if it could be a one-off original painted by a marine artist?

I have just been speaking to my colleague Brian Lavery, Curator of Maritime History. In the first place the white flag does not have the diagonal red St Patick's cross (union with Ireland 1801). Theoretically this rules out Trafalgar 1805. However Brian's initial reaction is that it could be Trafalgar with an error in the flag (?based on a wrongly coloured engraving). The burning ship on the right could therefore be the French Superbe. The wind in the sails of the ship on the left could suggest the storm after Trafalgar - so the whole could be a sort of telescoped view of the battle. We do not know who it might have been painted for - not Nelson if Trafalgar to state the obvious.

I hope this is of interest and we look forward to hearing more.

Roger Quarm

Christie's:

Thank you for sending images of the tray which have been forwarded to me. The tray appears to be about 30 inches wide? It is English and dates from about 1810-1820. I doubt very much if that mark relate to any maker however. Trays such as this are often signed on the picture but not stamped on the metalwork. Papier mache trays sometimes have impressed makers stamps. Provisionally I would suggest the value at auction with us in London would be between £1000-2000. We hold regular sales of works of art and would be pleased to enter it on your behalf should you consider selling.
Your sincerely,

Toby Woolley
European Works of Art department