The 1797 Battle of Cape St. Vincent Watercolour by Marine Artist George Odlin (1947 - 2012), late 20th Century. Oak Framed & Glazed.
In 1796 due to the French advance into Italy and Spain's imminent alliance with them Admiral John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (1735 - 1823), based the fleet at Gibraltar and off Cadiz. Early in 1797, a Spanish fleet of 27 sail of the line lay at Cartagena, with the intention of joining the French fleet at Brest. Admiral Jervis, Commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet on HMS Victory, aimed to stop this with 15 ships of the line and frigates. He met with Rear-Admiral William Parker off Cape St Vincent and when the Spanish fleet sailed he intercepted and defeated it off Cape St Vincent. This action first brought Nelson to public fame, and Jervis was himself created Earl of St Vincent. Nelson boarded and captured two Spanish ships of the line, the San Nicolas and San Josef, for which he was knighted.
This picture shows the capture of the ‘San Nicolas', 80 guns, and the 'San Josef', 112 guns by Nelson's ship, the 'Captain', 74 guns. The two Spanish ships were hooked together prompting Nelson to lead a boarding party through the stern galleries of the 'San Josef'.
Approximate frame dimensions are 51 cm length and 37.5 cm height.
Approximate picture dimensions are 34.5 cm length and 20.5 cm height.
Approximate weight is 1.43 kilos.
Foxing to the white surround and some cockling to the picture. No glass or frame damage.
