Adolphus Knell is believed to be one of the sons of 19th century marine painter William Adolphus Knell (1818-1875). There were at least four well known sea painters in the Knell family, including John Henry and William Callcott Knell. At different times members shared the same residential London address, but their exact relationship to one another remains somewhat unclear. However, their individual artistic styles are easily identified.

Adolphus Knell was first listed as a painter in bath and later moved to Bristol, England, where he continued to live and paint for most of his career. A number of excellent and attractive marine paintings bearing his signature have survived and today are considered quite collectable. His style progres...