Nathaniel Parr after Francis Swaine.

A General Engagement.

15.5 x 11.5 inches

A generic but atmospheric battle scene from a period when the British were almost continuously at war on the open seas. Two battleships are engaged in close combat whilst a third goes up in flames and appears to be capsizing to the left of the image where the crew are abandoning ship and jumping into the water. Further skirmishes are taking place in the vicinity. It is not clear who is winning the fight but the vulnerability of these ships and the close quarters in which they fought bring home to us how perilous it was out at sea in the C18th. France, Spain, Portugal and Holland were all strong maritime nations all within reach of England and all capable of giving the British Navy a run for its money.