Off the Canaries (British Cruiser Auxiliary Steam)

Off the Canaries was probably painted on Somerscales' return journey back to England. He had been living abroad for almost thirty years having settled at Valparaiso in Chile. In 1890, just two years prior to the date of this painting, the death of his daughter Alice had seriously disturbed the family and in particular his other daughter, Sophia. This, coupled with the fact that his sons were reaching university age, led to the decision that they should return to his native country.