The Battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805: The destruction of the French 74-gun Achille

Details

William Edward Atkins (1842-1910)
The Battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805: The destruction of the French 74-gun Achille
signed and dated 'W.E. Atkins./04.' (lower left)
pencil and watercolour heightened with white
14 x 33in. (35.7 x 83.8cm.)

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Lot Essay

Despite his anachronistic use of the French royal ensign at the stern of the vessel on the extreme left of this interesting panorama, the artist has presumably depicted the destruction of the French '74 Achille at about 5.45p.m., since she was the only vessel of either side to blow up during the course of the battle. Achille, like most of the other ships towards the rear of the enemy column, got into action too late to have much influence on the day's event but, once engaged, fought valiantly before she exploded killing virtually all of those aboard her.

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