Robert Salmon (British, 1775-1845) The Isles of Bute looking North 41.7 x 60.3 cm. (16 7/16 x 23 3/4 in.)Robert Salmon (British, 1775-1845)The Isles of Bute looking North signed, dated and inscribed 'No 617/Painted by Robert Salmon/1828' (on board verso)oil on board41.7 x 60.3 cm. (16 7/16 x 23 3/4 in.)ProvenanceThe artistAuction, Boston, 1828, sold for $7 1/2A 'painter' (acquired at the above sale, as stated in Salmon's stock bookSale; Brunk Auctions, Asheville, 21 September 2013, lot 780Sale; Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh, 4 June 2015, lot 7Collection, UK (acquired at the above sale)LiteratureJohn Wilmerding, Robert Salmon: Painter of Ship & Shore, Boston, 1971, p.90.The present work is titled 'Eyles of Bute looking North' in Robert Salmon's stock book and can be found under the heading of 'Special Paintings'. Perhaps what qualifies this work as special is the fact that it was painted whilst Salmon was resident in Boston, the view presumably being taken from a combination of his own sketches and memory of his homeland. The fact that this work was sold at auction immediately after having been completed would suggest that it was not commissioned; the subject was instead likely selected for Salmon's own pleasure.