Capture of Le Sparviere 1810
Capture of Le Sparviere, May 3rd 1810. Painted by T. Whitcombe. Engraved by Bailey. Publish'd Aug 1st 1816 at 48 Strand for J. Jenkin's Naval Achievements. Included with the print is the original folio text pages account of the action as first published with the aquatint.
Original aquatint engraving on medium weight wove paper with wide margins. Good overall condition with exceptional original colour. The plate has the date of publication and the name of the publisher beneath the engraved title. The approx engraved image area of the plate is 7" x 10.25" (175mm x 260mm). Engraved plate mark area is approx 8.5 x 11.75 (215mm x 300mm). The folio sheet size is approx 11.5" x 14" (290mm x 355mm).
Short extract from the folio text pages included: CAPTURE OF LE SPARVIERE, MAY 3, 1810. Copy of a Letter from Admiral Sir C. COTTON, Bar-t. Commander in Chief folds Majesty’s Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean, to J. W. CROKER, Esq. dated June 3, 1810. I INCLOSE herewith, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the copy of a letter from Captain Brenton, of the Spartan, giving an account of a very gallant action fought by that ship against a squadron of the enemy, in the bay of Naples, on the 3d. ult. Any comment of mine upon. this occasion would be superfluous, after the clear and distinct account given by Captain Brenton of the action, and the manner in which he enticed the enemy out: I have,however, to lament a severe wound this gallant officer has received by a grape-shot, though I trust not dangerously. I have no doubt their Lordships will duly appreciate the conduct of Lieutenant Willes, first of the Spartan, who fought the ship after Captain Brenton was wounded.(Sig'ned,) C. COTTON. SPARTAN, .May 3, 1810. SIR,—-On the 1st instant his Majesty’s ships Spartan and Success chased the French squadron, consisting of one frigate of 42 guns and 350 men, one corvette of 28 guns and 260 men, one brig of 8 guns and 98 men, and one cutter of 10 guns and 80 men ,- they succeeded in getting into the mole of Naples,...
James Jenkins The Naval Achievements of Great Britain. From the Year 1793 to 1817." As a record of naval events spanning a period of over twenty years it has no precedent. At no time prior to 1817 had a publisher attempted such a complete volume of documentary naval prints. It is the quality of accuracy which makes Jenkins so valuable" Roger Quarm curator of pictures at the National Maritime Museum 1998.
A genuine antique print over 200 years old.