A ship hove down and burning off
This is the only known surviving oil painting by Gabriel Bray (1750-1823). The vessel is probably naval, since a number of guns have been landed on the quay prior to her being hove down for breaming, which is what is being shown. A small naval sloop appears to the right, with a further vessel beyond with only lower masts standing. This therefore appears to be a fairly substantial repair facility and it may be a scene in the West Indies, to which Bray made two voyages via the West African coast when second lieutenant of HMS 'Pallas' in 1774-77. The purpose of these was to survey and report on the African forts and 'factories' then under British control. The picture is signed at the lower left.
Gabriel Bray
- Image reference: BHC1116
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Discover more
More by this artist
Search for similar images
Product images of A ship hove down and burning off



Our prints
We use a 240gsm fine art paper and premium branded inks to create the perfect reproduction.
Our expertise and use of high-quality materials means that our print colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Read more about our fine art prints.
Manufactured in the UK
All products are printed in the UK, using the latest digital presses and a giclée printmaking process.
We only use premium branded inks, and colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Delivery & returns
We print everything to order so delivery times may vary but all unframed prints are despatched within 2-4 days via courier or recorded mail.
Due to the coronovirus pandemic and Brexit situation, current shipping times may be longer, particularly for destinations outside the UK.
Delivery to the UK is £5 for an unframed print of any size.
We will happily replace your order if everything isn’t 100% perfect.