Robert Cleveley

Robert Cleveley was an English maritime painter.
His father and twin brother were also artists, with John the Younger gaining some training in watercolours from Paul Sandby, previously a teacher at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
John the Elder had tried and failed to make a living in working in a dockyard, and so did Robert, as a caulker. However, mocked by other dockyard workers for wearing gloves whilst working, John did not enjoy his time there, giving it up and in 1770 volunteering for the navy as a clerk. His first service as a clerk was briefly under Captain William Locker, then soon afterwards under Captain George Vandeput on his voyage in the Asia to the West Indies and North America, during which time Vandeput became a lifelong friend. The Asia returned in 1777, and from then to the end of his life Robert followed a double career as purser on board various ships stationed in the Home Fleet and as a marine painter. This meant he could exhibit his works as "Robert Cleveley of the Royal Navy".
First exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1780, his specialism was naval battles and many of his works were reproduced as engravings.