Nicholas Matthew Condy (1818-1851)

Nicholas Matthew Condy (1818-1851)
The 2^nd rate HMS Canopus entering the Hamoaze at Plymouth
Signed and dated N.M.Condy/1839 (lower right), and further signed, dated and inscribed H.M.S.Canopus 80/N.Condy Jun Pinx/1839 (to reverse)
Oil on canvas
55.5 x 45.3cm; 21¾ x 17¾in

HMS Canopus, originally Le Franklin and a French prize captured at the Battle of the Nile in 1798, was renamed and recommissioned into the Royal Navy and enjoyed a distinguished career during the remaining years of the Napoleonic Wars. Laid up in reserve for a long period after 1815, she was refitted in 1834 but required major repairs in 1839 when she was docked in Plymouth until 1842 when she returned to sea. After several harbour based roles thereafter, she was finally broken up in 1887.