James Ward after J. Singleton Copley

THE VICTORY OF LORD DUNCAN
To the Right Honourable George John Spencer, Earl Spencer, Viscount Althorp, First Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, LLD &c &c This Work is by his Lordship's permission respectfully Dedicated by his Lordship's much obliged and most humble Servant J. S. Copley

32 x 26 inches

This magnificent scene depicts the moment at which the Dutch forces capitulated to the British at the Battle of Camperdown on the 11th October 1797; one of the most strategic battles of the French Revolutionary Wars and arguably the most significant British naval victory of all time. During the battle the Dutch navy, under the command of vice Admiral Jan de Winter lost eleven ships whilst the British under Lord Duncan lost none. The battle was keenly fought, however, and casualties on both sides were high with over 200 British and over 500 Dutch meeting their end. In this print de Winter is shown handing over his sword as a symbol of defeat. Lord Duncan refuses the sword and instead offers his assailant his hand saying "I would much rather take a brave man's hand than his sword". James Ward was born in London in 1769, the brother of fellow engraver William Ward and also a pupil of the master mezzotint engraver, J. R. Smith. Later he devoted himself to painting, and was appointed as painter and mezzotint engraver to the Prince of Wales in 1794. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1811.