Hand-colored copper engraving after a painting by American artist Benjamin West (1738-1820), by renowned English engraver William Woollett. In 1692, Louis XIV of France mounted an ill-fated attempt to restore James II, a fellow Catholic, to the throne of England. In response, Britain and her Protestant allies, the Dutch, massed their fleets and engaged the enemy for five days off the northern French coast near La Hogue. Nine decades later, West, who was then living in England, condensed the events of the long battle into this dramatic composition. Vice Admiral George Rooke stands in the thick of the battle with his raised sword, while the French commander is shown deserting his craft with its fleur-de-lis motif. West also includes the French flagship in the center distance, when it was actually sunk a few days before the final battle.

References:

Condition: A

Margins probably trimmed, but well outside platemark.