Stanley Montague, Stormy Coastal View With Sailboat

June 15,2024

An early 19th-century seascape depicting a coastal view with stormy seas by Scottish actor and painter, Stanley Montague (1809-1844). This evocative piece conjures up the sights and sounds of a blustery day on the Scottish coast. Montague was a fascinating character who pursued two creative endeavours - acting and pain.

Montague was a fascinating character who pursued two creative endeavours - acting and painting. From an early age, it was clear that he was destined for the arts as he took his first acting engagement at 15. He was received well by the critics and described as a ‘very handsome young man, well suited for the parts he played’.

Over the next 14 years, he worked as an actor while also developing a keen eye for painting. When away from the theatre, he would travel to Wales, England and the west of Scotland to sketch and hone his skills.

From 1828 until 1844, he exhibited regularly at the Scottish Academy and also once at the Royal Academy in London with ‘Wreck on the Lancashire Sands’. Stanley Montague is also known for his book illustrations as many of his landscapes have been engraved for this purpose.

The painting is signed in the lower right and housed within a simple wooden frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 31” x 23½” / 78cm x 60cm
Year of creation: c. 1840
Provenance: Denmark
Condition: Light craquelure in areas. Could be cleaned to restore some vibrancy if required. Frame with some age-related wear.