William Anderson was born in Scotland in 1757. He started his life as a shipwright,and then discovered his talents as an artist painting subjects connected with ships and the sea - marines, shore scenes and harbours. He worked in oils and watercolours. His works were exhibited at both the Royal Accademy from 1787-1834 and the British Institution from 1810-26.

This work is a typical example of one of his smaller oils that displays a good handling of tone and light.

Anderson died in London in 1837.