File:An English yacht sailing into an imagined British harbour RMG BHC4238.tiff

(Updated, July 2016) Previously called 'An English yacht sailing into Plymouth' this lively scene is in fact a capriccio - a decorative invented composition showing a late-Stuart royal yacht sailing into a rocky harbour, apparently under British control from the flags of the ships and the very worn one that can still just be seen flying from the fort on the left.The fanciful landscape and Italianate buildings suggest the harbour is Mediterranean but it does not resemble an obvious place under British control at the period. The yacht is letting its topsail fly as it slows down entering the anchorage and tows a small boat astern on a lively sea. A number of figures can be seen on deck, where a trumpeter announced the yacht's arrival. On the right passengers in an overladen small boat observe the scene. Other shipping is shown leaving the port and at anchor. Plymouth has a deep and rocky harbour but there is no evidence other than the English shipping and flags that the artist was seriously trying to represent it. The painting is essentially a decorative piece appealing to British taste for marine subjects in a period when trade to the Mediterranean, especially the Levant, was expanding. Though attributed to Backhuysen, who worked in Amsterdam, the landscape elements, draughtsmanship and warmth of the palette, as well as the British elements, suggest this may be by a follower.