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French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802)

Maps and prints of naval engagements collected by George III during the decade of war

JOHN BOYDELL (19 JANUARY 1720-12 DECEMBER 1804) AND JOSIAH BOYDELL (18 JANUARY 1752-27 MARCH 1817)

Cape St Vincent, 1797

To the R. Hon.ble / JOHN JERVIS, / Earl of S.t Vincent Admiral of the Blue & K.B. / And the Admirals Captains &c of the Fleet / This Representation of the Sea Fight off Cape S.t Vincent / on the 14 of Feb 1797 / Is humbly...

published 4 Jun 1798

Engraving and etching; printed on paper. Index plate pasted to left edge of view; view and index plate laid down on paper, the paper backing brought round the edges of the recto. | 49.3 x 65.4 cm (image of view) | RCIN 735048.b

A view of the British fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir John Jervis (1735-1823), and including the Captain (Commodore Horatio Nelson) pursuing and defeating the larger Spanish fleet, commanded by Don José de Cordova off Cape St Vincent on 14 February 1797. Anglo-Spanish War (1796-1808).

In the aftermath of the battle, Jervis was made Baron Jervis of Meaford and Earl St Vincent, and Nelson was knighted as a member of the Order of the Bath.

The lettering of the title on the Royal Collection example is very faintly engraved, and the principal letters are engraved in outline, perhaps indicating that it is a proof copy. It is one of a set of three engravings; see also RCINs 735048.a and c.

Additional text: [bottom left and bottom right, to each side of the title, a detailed description of the action portrayed in the view and a tabulation of the Line of Battle, the names of the frigates and their captains. Text begins:] Represents the Van of the British Fleet cutting through / the Enemy's Line ...

Condition: no fold lines.
  • John Boydell (19 January 1720-12 December 1804) and Josiah Boydell (18 January 1752-27 March 1817) (publisher) [bottom centre, below edge of view, to each side of the title:] Published June 4 1798, by John & Josiah Boydell, N.o 90, Cheapside; & Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall; [index plate, top centre:] Pub. June 4 1798, by J & J Boydell, London.

    Sir Jahleel Brenton (1770-1844) (artist) [bottom left, below edge of view:] Drawn by Lieut.t Jahled Brenton of the Royal Navy.

    James Fittler (1758-1835) (engraver) [bottom right, below edge of view:] Engraved by James Fittler, Marine Engraver to His Majesty.

    John Jervis, Viscount St Vincent (1735-1823) (dedicatee)

  • Watermark: 1794 / JWHATMAN

    Condition: no fold lines

  • 49.3 x 65.4 cm (image of view)

    51.1 x 68.7 cm (platemark of view)

    45.3 x 65.4 cm (neatline of view)

    52.0 x 69.7 cm (sheet of view)

    12.0 x 17.4 cm (image of index plate)

    12.7 x 18.7 cm (platemark of index plate)

    13.2 x 19.5 cm (sheet of index plate)

  • Printed title:

    To the R. Hon.ble / JOHN JERVIS, / Earl of S.t Vincent Admiral of the Blue & K.B. / And the Admirals Captains &c of the Fleet / This Representation of the Sea Fight off Cape S.t Vincent / on the 14 of Feb 1797 / Is humbly dedicated by their most Obedt Hble Servts J & J BOYDELL [bottom centre, below view and between two columns of text]

    Printed title:

    PL. II. [view and index plate, top right]

    Additional text:

    [bottom left and bottom right, to each side of the title, a detailed description of the action portrayed in the view and a tabulation of the Line of Battle, the names of the frigates and their captains. Text begins:] Represents the Van of the British Fleet cutting through / the Enemy's Line ...

    Annotations:

    George III heading [black pencil:] Military Naval Engagement 14 Feb 1797 Port folio No 5.

    Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [bottom left, black pencil, obscured by paper backing: the old heading; bottom left, black pencil:] 122.e; [top left, black pencil:] 19; [top right, black pencil:] 19; [centre, black pencil, obscured by paper backing:] 19.

    Annotations:

    Recto: none. Verso: [black pencil, obscured by paper backing:] IX [or XI]; [bottom left, black pencil, in a modern hand:] CMB Jan ’87 [i.e. 1987]; [bottom right, black pencil:] 18.

    George III catalogue entry:

    Naval Engagement Three Representations of the Sea Fight off Cape S.t Vincent on the 14.th of Feb.y 1797, by Lieut. I. Brenton, engraved by James Fittler, published by Boydell, 1798. with Index plates to each View.

  • Subject(s)

    Cabo de São Vicente, Portugal (37°01'21"N 08°59'25"W)

  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    H. Parker, Naval battles from the collection of prints formed and owned by Commander Sir Charles Leopold Cust. With an introduction by C.N. Robinson, London 1911, no.122.e

Page revisions

  • 14 March 2024