This is a fairly typical example of the artist's work though hard to date exactly. The absence of any steam vessels suggests it might be relatively early, but that is not a good indicator since he turned out decorative and rather nostalgic sailing-vessel subjects over a long period. Although a studio-painted picture the scene is probably on the south coast in the Hastings area, with which the fishing luggers are consistent. John James Wilson (1818–1875) was the only son of the Scottish marine and stage painter John 'Jock' Wilson (1774–1855). He exhibited similar works to his father's and from the same London addresses until 1847: at the British Institution from 1834, the Royal Academy from 1835, and a very large number at the Society of British Artists, of which he became a member in 1845, from 1831 to 1875.