Set of 4 Aquatint Engraving Proof Plates [Representing the Stages of the Battle Between the u.s.s. Constitution and h.m.s. Java.]

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Print Sz: 16"H x 19 3/4"W

Frame Sz: 21 3/4"H x 25 3/8"W

Custom black chrome framed by Huston Tuttle … Read more Print Sz: 16"H x 19 3/4"W

Frame Sz: 21 3/4"H x 25 3/8"W

Custom black chrome framed by Huston Tuttle Gallery Rockport Maine

ARTIST: Nicholas Pocock

PUBLISHER: Jany, 1, 1814, published by Messrs. Boydell & Co. No. 90 Cheapside, and Colnaghi & Co. Cockspur Street, London.

MEDIUM: Aquatint and engraving,

DATE: Jany. 1st, 1814.

DESCRIPTION: Drawn and Etch'd by N. Pocock from a sketch by Lieut. Buchanan. Engraved by R. & D. Havell. Titles continue “Plate 1. Situation of His Majesty’s Frigate Java, Captain Lambert, at 5 min. past 3 p.m. after an hour's close & severe action with the American Frigate Constitution, in which she was so much disabled in her Masts, Sails, & Rigging, by the Enemy’s very superior Force & Weight of Metal, that in the attempt to board, with every prospect of success, her Foremast fell, & she was rendered totally unmanageable.” “Plate 2nd. The Java, as she appeared at 35 min. past 4 p.m. after having sustained several raking Broadsides from the Constitution whilst closely engageing [sic] her, untill [sic] she became a perfect Wreck, the Main Mast alone standing, the Rigging shot to pieces, and the Main Yard gone in the Slings. The Constitution making Sail & getting out of Gun Shot.” “Plate 3d. The Java totally dismasted endeavoring to Wear by the assistance of a Jury Staysail hoisted to the stump of the Foremast & Bowsprit; the Constitution Crossing her bow in a Raking Position, Compels her to Surrender at 50 min. past 5.” “Plate 4th. The Java in a Sinking state, set fire to, & Blowing up. The Constitution at a distance a head, Laying to, unbending sails, repairing her Rigging &c. on the Evening of 29th Decr. 1812.” Each with two columns of four lines, left “English Force” and right “American Force.”

A scarce and desirable set of four prints depicting the progress of the December 29, 1812 duel between the Constitution and the 38-gun frigate Java off the coast of Brazil. The Constitution, now commanded by William Bainbridge (hitherto best known for running the Philadelphia aground in Tripoli Harbor) gained another stunning American victory through superior weight of metal and excellent seamanship.
The four prints depict the Java losing her foremast during a boarding attempt, the Java nearly disabled after losing all but her main mast, the Constitution taking position to rake a now-completely dismasted Java, and the Java aflame and sinking as the Constitution stands off to make repairs.
England was horrified at the loss of yet another frigate, with the London Times writing on March 20, 1813 that “The public will learn with sentiments which we shall not presume to anticipate that a third British frigate has struck to an American. Any one who would have predicted such a result of an American war this time last year would have been treated as a madman or a traitor.

REFERENCE: Olds 181-184. Background from Henry E. Gruppe, The Seafarers: The Frigates, pp. 100-104. See less