Robert Cleveley - The Desperate Action Between the Terrible and Vengeance 1757

Robert Cleveley (1747-1809) was a renowned 18th century maritime artist along with his twin brother and father. This engraving was produced in 1797 by R. Bowyer for the Historical Gallery at Pall Mall and engraved by S. Cann. It depicts a naval battle between the British ship Terrible and the French privateer Vengeance. The Terrible had Captain William Death in charge and despite being a much smaller ship it battled valiantly against the larger French foe. The Vengeance had left St Malo and flew an English ensign across the channel and only changed to French colours when it was about to engage the Terrible. Caught off guard the men of the Terrible fought bravely before eventually surrendering and having their ship towed back to France. Captain Death was a casualty of this engagment and only 26 of the crew of the Terrible survived (16 of these men were severely injured). It was often used as an example of British courage against superior odds and is why Cleveley was asked to produce a picture of the event.
 
Medium: hand coloured engraving on thick woven paper.
 
40 x 30.5 cm, mounted.