Condy, Nicholas Matthews Paintings

Nicholas Matthews Condy was a British painter known for his maritime scenes, particularly those depicting the waters around Plymouth, where he was born and worked for most of his career. Born on September 28, 1818, in Plymouth, Devon, England, he was the son of an auctioneer, also named Nicholas Condy.

Condy developed a passion for the sea and ships at an early age, which is reflected in the subjects of his paintings. He was largely self-taught, although he may have received some informal training from his father, who was an amateur painter. His early works were watercolors, but he later transitioned to oils, which allowed him to achieve greater depth and realism in his seascapes.

Despite his talent, Condy never achieved significant financial success during his lifetime. However, his works were appreciated by local patrons and naval officers, who commissioned paintings of their ships or the vessels they commanded. His accurate and detailed depictions of ships and the sea were highly regarded, and he became known for his technical skill and ability to capture the nuances of maritime life.

Condy's paintings are characterized by their attention to detail, vivid colors, and the lively depiction of the sea in various conditions. He often painted scenes of historical naval battles, shipwrecks, and the everyday life of sailors. His works serve as important historical records of the maritime activity in and around Plymouth during the mid-19th century.

Nicholas Matthews Condy died prematurely at the age of 32, on February 16, 1851. His early death meant that his body of work was relatively small, but his paintings continue to be appreciated by art historians and collectors for their contribution to British maritime art. Today, his works can be found in various art collections and have been exhibited in maritime museums and galleries in the UK and beyond.