Napoleonic Wars (1803-15)
Views of naval engagements and maps of battles
Battle of Trafalgar, 1805 (Cabo Trafalgar, Andalusia, Spain) 36°10'51"N 06°02'01"W
published 1 Mar 1806Aquatint with etching and engraving; printed on paper; laid down on paper, the paper backing brought round the edges of the recto | 48.5 x 71.2 cm (image) | RCIN 735121.c
This view shows the forward ships of the British fleet, flying the White Ensign (a red St George's Cross on a white field with the Union Flag in the upper canton; Nelson had been promoted to Vice-Admiral of the White on 23 April 1804), engaging with the French ships, seen here in the background.
This is the third of four views (Plates 1 and 2 are unnumbered in this set) by Dodd of the Battle of Trafalgar. The companion prints are at RCINs 735121.a,b,d. These appear to be the originals of the views described in Parker 175.a which refers to a reprint made in 1843 by J.W. Laird. Laird's views, which appear to be a restrike from the original copperplates, were apparently reprinted about 1960.
Dedication: [bottom, below title:] This Scene at nearly the close of the Action with a View of the French Admiral Dumonoir and the Ships of his Division, making their escape to Windward, is most respectfully / inscribed to Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood, the Right Honble Lord Northesk, the several Captains, the Officers, Seamen & Marines of the Van Division / by their devoted Servant / Robt Dodd.
Condition: no fold lines; small tear to right edge. Verso: induced discolouration.
Robert Dodd (1748-1815) (draughtsman, engraver and publisher) [bottom right, below edge of view:] Drawn & Engraved by R. Dodd; [bottom centre, below dedication:] Published by R. Dodd, N.o 41 Charing Cross 6, Doors from the Admiralty March 1 1806.
Subject(s)
Royal NavyHoratio Nelson (1758-1805)Navy-FranceWatermark: On print?, cropped: SMITH [and] 180[?]
Condition: no fold lines; small tear to right edge. Verso: induced discolouration
45.2 x 71.2 cm (neatline)
48.5 x 71.2 cm (image)
52.2 x 76.3 cm (platemark)
53.8 x 78.0 cm (sheet)
Printed title:
VICTORY of TRAFALGAR, in the VAN. [bottom centre, below view]
Printed title:
Plate 3. [bottom left, below edge of view]
Dedication:
[bottom, below title:] This Scene at nearly the close of the Action with a View of the French Admiral Dumonoir and the Ships of his Division, making their escape to Windward, is most respectfully / inscribed to Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood, the Right Honble Lord Northesk, the several Captains, the Officers, Seamen & Marines of the Van Division / by their devoted Servant / Robt Dodd.
Annotations:
(Recto) [bottom left, black pencil:] 19; [top left, black pencil:] VX-121-c. (Verso) [bottom left, black pencil:] 175.a.(3); [centre, black pencil:] 19; [centre, black pencil, obscured by backing paper:] 19.
George III catalogue entry:
Naval Engagement Four views of the Battle of Trafalgar on the 21.st of Oct. 1805: by R. Dodd, 1806. [The same entry occurs under the heading Trafalgar.]
Subject(s)
Cabo Trafalgar, Andalusia, Spain (36°10'51"N 06°02'01"W)
Page revisions
3 November 2024
Current version
