French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802)
Maps and prints of naval engagements collected by George III during the decade of war
Texel, 1799
SURRENDER of the DUTCH FLEET
published 31 Dec 1800Aquatint with etching and engraving; printed on paper; laid down on paper, the paper backing brought round the edges of the recto | 48.7 x 71.2 cm (image) | RCIN 735079
This view shows, on the left, the Dutch fleet, flying the naval flag of the Batavian Republic (as the Netherlands, having come under French domination, were known between 19 January 1795 and 5 June 1806). At that time the naval flag was altered by the insertion of a panel containing a 'representation of a female figure in a graceful attitude seated in a patch of greenery, and holding a spear on which is the Cap of Liberty ... At her feet a lion in a sitting or rather reclining position with its head turned sideways and with a fierce and grim expression on its face'.
The two figures sitting in the stern of the rowing boat flying the flag of truce in the middle foreground probably represents the returning Dutch flag captain, Van Capellen and the captain of the Cerberus, De Jong, from their parley with Vice-Admiral Mitchell. The surrender took place off the Dutch coast near Wieringen (52°54'00"N 04°57'00"E), which may be the town shown in the middle background, with two large windmills to the right.
This exercise was part of the Anglo-Russian expedition to Holland (also known as the Helder Expedition), a campaign which lasted from the landing of the British troops on 27 August 1799, to 19 November 1799. The objective was to neutralise the Batavian fleet and to promote a local uprising against the Batavian government.
One of a pair of aquatints by Robert Dodd; the companion print is at RCIN 735078. Parker does not give the year of publication which is 1800, as recorded in the imprint.
Dedication: [bottom centre, below title:] To Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, K.B. this Plate representing his taking Possession of the whole of the Dutch Ships of War in the Texel, on the 30.th of August 1799, is most respectfully inscribed / By his Obliged humble Servant / Rob.t Dodd.
Condition: no fold lines.
Robert Dodd (1748-1815) (engraver and publisher) [bottom right, below edge of view:] R. Dodd fecit; [bottom centre, below dedication:] Published December 31,st 1800. by R. Dodd N.o 41. Charing Cross, London.
Sir Andrew Mitchell (1757-1806) (dedicatee)
Watermark: [on backing paper:] 1794 JWHATMAN
Condition: no fold lines
44.8 x 71.2 cm (neatline)
48.7 x 71.2 cm (image)
52.0 x 76.7 cm (platemark)
52.9 x 77.7 cm (sheet)
Printed title:
SURRENDER of the DUTCH FLEET. [bottom centre, below view]
Dedication:
[bottom centre, below title:] To Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, K.B. this Plate representing his taking Possession of the whole of the Dutch Ships of War in the Texel, on the 30.th of August 1799, is most respectfully inscribed / By his Obliged humble Servant / Rob.t Dodd.
Annotations:
George III heading [black pencil:] Military Texel 30 Aug 1799 Port folio No 2.
Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [bottom left, black pencil, obscured by paper backing: the George III heading; bottom left, black pencil:] 147.a; [top right, black pencil:] 47; [bottom right, black pencil:] 44 [and] Pair 1-11-6 [and, obscured by paper backing, ink:] Pair £1-11-6; [centre, black pencil, obscured by paper backing:] 44.
George III catalogue entry:
Texel Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell taking possession of the whole of the Dutch Ships of War in the Texel on the 30.th of August 1799: by R. Dodd, 1800.
Subject(s)
Texel, North Holland, Netherlands (53°05'00"N 04°50'00"E)
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.147.a
Page revisions
14 March 2024
Current version
