Italian School, circa 1790 A fan commemorating the destruction of

inscribed 'Viva Nelson' l.c., bodycolour, painted fan-shaped, 16.5 x 45cm irregular; mount 48.5 x 63cm; unframed, This commemorative fan depicts the destruction of Revolutionary France's flagship 'L'Orient' as part of Horatio Nelson's victorious Battle of the Nile. This historic engagement took place during the night of 1 August 1798 whilst the French fleet was anchored in Aboukir Bay. During this daring nighttime attack, the flagship was set ablaze, and by 10.30pm, the entire vessel and its powder store had spectacularly exploded. Famously, Nelson was later presented with a coffin fashioned from timbers from 'L'Orient' salvaged after the battle, and it was within this casket that his body was eventually placed following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Condition Report, Condition Report, Stuck down to the mount along the top edge. Severe rippling and creasing are present to the sheet, with tears and abrasions in places. The colours remain lively, strong and fresh. Request A Condition Report, Request A Condition Report

Estimate:£600

View all items fromSwordersorArts & Graphics