Views of naval engagements and maps of battles
Juan Gálvez (1774-1847)
Saragossa, 1808
Saragossa, 1808
CASTA ALVAREZ c.1812-13
Aquatint with etching and engraving; printed on paper; hand coloured | 30.2 x 17.8 cm (image) | RCIN 735139.c
Juan Gálvez (1774-1847)
Master: First siege of Saragossa, 1808 (Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain) 41?39'21"N 00?52'38"W Item: Saragossa, 1808 (Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain) 41?39'21"N 00?52'38"W c.1812-13
Detailed object viewer
One of eighteen views of the ruins of Saragossa following the siege of 15 June to 13 August 1808. Napoleonic Wars (1803-15): Peninsular War (1808-14).
Following the Spanish declaration of war on France in June 1808 the French army, commanded by General Jean-Antoine Verdier, repeatedly stormed the city, and was repeatedly repulsed. The result was a Spanish victory, the French being compelled to lift the siege and retreat.
An approximate translation of the text reads: Casta Alvarez. A Zaragossan, one of those women who were most [prominent] in the defence [of the town]. Armed with a bayonet, like a spear in a stick, she encouraged the patriots and guided them to the enemy when they approached. She showed her bravery most in the battery of the Sancho Gate. She was rewarded with a pension and a shield of honour.
For more information on this set, see RCIN 735139; the other views can be found at RCINs 735139.a-b, d-s.
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Juan Gálvez (1774-1847) (artist)
Fernando Brambila (1763-1832) (artist) [bottom left, below edge of print:] Juan Galbez [i.e. Galvez] y Fernando Brambila.
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Watermark: None visible
Condition: heavy surface dirt on both sides
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24.9 x 17.8 cm (neatline)
30.2 x 17.8 cm (image)
34.2 x 23.6 cm (platemark)
41.8 x 29.6 cm (sheet)
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Printed title:
CASTA ALVAREZ. [bottom, below print]
Printed title:
Ruinas de Zaragoza. [top of print]
Additional text:
[bottom, below title; text begins:] Zaragozana, una de las mugeres que mas se ...
Annotations:
George III heading: Military, Saragossa 1808 Port-folio N.o 4.
Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [bottom right, black pencil:] 7/6 Nt
George III catalogue entry:
Saragossa 18 Prints of the Ruins of Saragossa, the Attacks of the French in 1808, and Portraits of the principal persons concerned in its defence: by Juan Galbez and Fernando Brambila.
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From the collection of military and naval maps and prints formed by George III (1738-1820)
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Subject(s)
Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain (41°39'21"N 00°52'38"W)
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