A three-decker off a headland by moonlight

Painting, signed in initial capitals lower left 'E.H.' For information on the artist see BHC1177, with which this work was acquired. The three-decker shown in stern view, slightly to port, is a mid-19th-century warship in black-and-white livery and probably intended as British, though no ensign is included. To its left under cliffs is a small boat with a single sail and of a form that might indicate a Mediterranean location, but if so probably imaginary. While the time of day looks like moonlight, it may in fact be dawn with a pale sun rising on the horizon. [PvdM 8/14]