Little is known of Peter Paillou's early career, but he gained repute in the 18th century as a natural history painter and illustrator. He was employed by two leading naturalists and antiquarians of the time, Taylor White (1701-1772) and Thomas Pennant (1726-1798). He illustrated the latter's British Zoology and decorated the hall at Downing, Pennant's house in Flintshire, with several pictures of birds and animals, four of which represented the seasons of the year.

In one picture, Paillou's closely observed seabirds swoop down on the pelican, primed for a tussle that is replicated in the naval battle ensuing in the distance. The ships beyond fly white ensigns, of the type used by the French navy until 17...