Completed oil paintings by Yates are few and far between, as his artistic career was cut short due to his untimely death. Yates decided to pursue art after a short career in the Navy, having been commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1782. Draughtsmanship was a skill taught to all naval cadets and Yates utilised this initial training, and his innate ability, to produce a small collection of skilfully rendered maritime works. 

Unfortunately, those works and Yates’ talent is often overshadowed by his tragic death- he was shot dead in August 1796 during a domestic dispute over the ownership of his Great-uncles home.

Yates began exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1788 and continued to do so until 1794. He called upon his naval career to accurately portray different vessels, such as the Revenue Cutter shown in this work. Flying a red ensign, the Revenue Cutter is identifiable by its low profile and single-masted gaff rig. Their role was to patrol coastal waters, collecting customs duties for the crown and also to intercept and prevent smuggling. This purpose is reflected in their low, light build which enabled speed and agility. Yate’s grasp on topography was also effective, showing in this work a convincing distance line and portrayal of the coast underneath a dramatic sky, likely building up momentum before a storm.