This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Russo-Turkish Wars

The wars of 1735–9, 1768–74 and 1787–92

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View of the Battle of Chesma, 1770 (Çeşme, İzmir, Turkey) 38°19'22"N 26°18'23"E

c.1770

Etching and engraving; printed on paper | 37.4 x 52.1 cm (image) | RCIN 733076.d

A view of the naval Battle of Chesma which was fought in Çeşme Bay on 5-7 July 1770 between the Russian fleet, commanded by Count Orlov, and the Turks, commanded by Admiral Mandalzade Hüsameddin Pasha, resulting in a Russian victory for which Orlow was awarded the victory honorific 'Chesmensky'. Russo-Turkish War (1768-74).

This is one of four plans and views of the battle (RCINs 733076.a-c). They are all similar to the plans and views at RCINs 733075.a-d but there are differences in the lettering and in minor details.

Additional text: [bottom, below title, the Russian and french text separated by the coat of arms, a list of the names of the Russian ships:] Noms des Vaisseaux Russes.

These naval prints and maps were formerly kept in a rough buff rag folder, 51.7 x 31.7 cm, on the front of which is written the old heading, and black pencil notes in a modern hand: '[UL Naval N1 should have 76b & d but kept here for consistency] (a to e CMB Jan 87).' This note refers to the former practice of withdrawing strictly non-map material, such as views, from the military map collection and placing them in other collections of themed prints such as naval prints and historical prints.

Condition: one fold line; foxing to both sides. Verso: heavy surface dirt.
  • Anonymous (draughtsman)

    Alexei Grigorevitch, Count Orlov (1737-1808) (publisher) [bottom right, below text:] avec approbation de S.E. M.r le Comte Orlow.

    Subject(s)

    Navy-Russia
    Navy-Turkey
  • Watermark: Lily in double circle, [the letter C or G below]

    Condition: one fold line; foxing to both sides. Verso: heavy surface dirt

  • 27.2 x 51.8 cm (neatline)

    37.4 x 52.1 cm (image)

    38.4 x 53.7 cm (platemark)

    40.6 x 56.0 cm (sheet)

  • Printed title:

    ВИДЪ ЧЕСМЕНСКОЙ ГАВАНИ СЪ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЕМЪ ИСТРЕБЛЕНИЯ … 1770. // VÜE DU PORT DE CHISME AVEC LA DESTRUCTION DE LA FLOTTE OTTOMANNE / PAR L’ESCADRE RUSSE SOUS LES ORDRES DE S. E. M.R LE COMTE ORLOW / GENERAL COMMANDANT &c. &c. / La Nuit du 7.m Juillet 1770. [bottom, below view, Russian and French titles separated by the Russian Imperial coat of arms in which the double-headed eagle wears a decorative chain suspending a St Andrew's cross]

    Additional text:

    [bottom, below title, the Russian and french text separated by the coat of arms, a list of the names of the Russian ships:] Noms des Vaisseaux Russes. 

    Annotations:

    George III heading: Naval Engagement in the Bay of Chisme 7 July 1770.

    Other annotations: none.

    George III catalogue entry:

    Chisme Bay Plan and View of the Naval Engagement between the Russian Fleet commanded by Count Orlow, and the Turkish Fleet, on the 5th of July: and a Plan and View of the Destruction of the Turkish Fleet by the Russians in the Bay of Chisme on the 7th of July 1770.[The same entry appears under the heading Naval Engagement.]

  • Subject(s)

    Çeşme, İzmir, Turkey (38°19'22"N 26°18'23"E)

Page revisions

  • 5 June 2025