H.M.S. Spartan and French squadron, Bay of Naples, 3 May 1810

Details

English School, 19th Century
H.M.S. Spartan and French squadron, Bay of Naples, 3 May 1810
inscribed as title on the reverse
pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour
6 x 8 7/8in. (15.2 x 22.3cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

By 1810, the Kingdom of Naples was under Napoleon's control with the throne occupied by Joachim Murat, one of France's most senior marshals. The 38-gun frigate H.M.S. Spartan, under the command of Captain Jahleel Brenton, was keeping station off Naples and proving such a nuisance to Neapolitan shipping that Murat ordered a small naval force to be assembled and sent out to destroy her. The frigate Ceres, accompanied by the corvette Fama and several smaller vessels, stood out of Naples on 3rd May whereupon Spartan not only gallantly defended herself but emerged victorious after giving the Ceres a severe mauling, forcing the Fama to sheer off and capturing the brig Sparviere.

More from Maritime

View All