ISAAC SAILMAKER: THREE Since Sailmaker never signed his paintings, his work in oil tended to be confused over time with other painters, perhaps especially Jacob Knyff. Apart from Vertue's notice, however, the significant number of prints which credit his name probably provide a sufficiently authentic starting-point for an overall assessment. There will be many paintings ascribed to him on very flimsy evidence, however. The works of Sailmaker are a large, difficult and complicated subject of study, not least because of his exceptional longevity. I do not expect to make sense of it in a hurry, if ever. It takes half a lifetime to begin to understand these disgracefully neglected marine painters, who were once the very soul and spirit of the English nation. It is little wonder that Hogarth hated the smug connoisseurs so intensely. Pictures may be added here as I come across them, if they seem to be of interest. |
