Old Masters, British & European Paintings Part I - 3rd September 2025

Lot 547

Circle of Joseph Walter

Estimate £1,000 - £1,500 | Hammer £4064

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Description

Circle of Joseph Walter
An anchored merchantman lying off the ‘Jack in the basket’ seamark, Lymington, with the Needles in the distance beyond
Oil on canvas
47 x 65cm; 18½ x 25½in

The term 'Jack in the Basket' was given to a mark in coastal waters to show the edge of a sandbank or other obstruction. It was made of a wooden box or basket on the top of a pole. Hurst Castle can be seen in the background, although the lighthouse that can now be seen from this viewpoint was not built until 1859.