Bidspirit auction | A HAND-COLORED ENGRAVING OF 'THE

A HAND-COLORED ENGRAVING OF 'THE GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE', C. 1799 - A brilliantly hand-colored engraving of the naval battle known as 'The Glorious First of June' produced by engraver James Fittler after the painting of the same name by Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg. This scene shows the chaos of the battle which occurred off the Island of Ushant in 1794 between a British fleet under Admiral Lord Howe and a French fleet under Rear Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse. By the end of the engagement both fleets were left in tatters, with the French suffering the worst, losing seven ships of the line and suffering thousands of casualties. Two weeks later, Lord Howe, along with his battle-torn fleet, limped back into port to a hero's welcome, with King George III being in attendance to welcome the brave Jacks home and shower them with honors. James Fittler, the engraver to whom this piece is attributed, produced the engravings for many of de Loutherbourg's works, among many other artists, and was appointed as the marine engraver to King George III. Britain, c. 1799. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not ship in-house. A list of recommended shippers will be provided. Dimensions: 15 3/8 x 22 in., (39.1 x 55.9 cm.) Condition: Very good overall, with only the most minor signs of age. The piece is mounted on later paper to increase structural integrity.