Charles George Lewis (1808-1880), After Thomas J. Barker Nelson Engraving

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Description

Large British naval historical print after the celebrated Nelson subject “Nelson Receiving the Swords on Board the San Josef, Feb.y … Read more Large British naval historical print after the celebrated Nelson subject “Nelson Receiving the Swords on Board the San Josef, Feb.y 14, 1797,” depicting the moment of surrender on the captured Spanish first-rate San José following the action off Cape St Vincent. Nelson stands prominently on the quarterdeck, bareheaded with his hat held in one hand while extending the other to accept the proffered sword; beside him a red-coated soldier gathers additional surrendered swords, while officers and seamen cluster in a smoke-hazed background of rigging, sails, and ongoing shipboard activity. The composition is credited “after” Thomas Jones Barker and engraved/printed by Charles George Lewis, issued in London by the publishers Leggatt Bros in 1853; the British Museum records the subject and credits as Barker (after) and Lewis (printmaker), with publication by Leggatt Bros, and notes the print as an artist’s proof executed in mixed method on chine collé.

The plate retains important documentary margin details that help anchor the print historically and within the publishing trade. Lettering such as “Painted by Thos J. Barker” and “Engraved by Chas G. Lewis” corresponds to the later recorded lettered states described in the British Museum entry, along with the 1853 publication line (Leggatt, Hayward & Leggatt of Cornhill are cited among later states). In the lower margin, note the small emblematic drawing: a vignette of arms/trophy device with motto (recorded in later states as arms added with the motto “Palmam qui meruit ferat”) and an associated dedication from the publishers to “the British Navy,” a feature that appears as a discreet heraldic/patriotic cartouche beneath the image and is visible here as a faintly printed armorial motif. The overall presentation is in a large glazed frame with wide mat margins, appropriate to the scale and to the period taste for maritime history prints intended for display in domestic and club interiors.

Measurements: 43" h x 60.75" w See less