Man of War on a Calm Sea
Mitchell was employed by the Navy, hence his specialisation in marine subjects This rather solemn painting represents the continuation of the Dutch 17th century tradition in English 18th century painting. The careful positioning of the silhouette of the ship against the sky harks back to William van de Velde the Younger (1633-1707). At the same time the artists is more interested in the effects of light and composition than in the portrayal of a specific ship.
