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The Battle of the Glorious First of June, 1794; the 'Defence' (?) and 'Le Vengeur', 1794 (watercolour, graphite)
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The Battle of the Glorious First of June, 1794; the 'Defence' (?) and 'Le Vengeur', 1794 (watercolour, graphite)
7341714 The Battle of the Glorious First of June, 1794; the 'Defence' (?) and 'Le Vengeur', 1794 (watercolour, graphite) by Pocock, Nicholas (1741-1821); 14x20.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Nicholas Pocock
Pocock was almost certainly present at the Battle of the First of June on board the 'Pegasus' (Captain Barlow), one of the frigates in Howe's fleet which served to repeat his signals during the battle, from an observing position to windward. A number of sketchbooks have survived filled with rapid sketches of it. Those which show the close engagement, like this, are the best representations we have of the impenetrable fog of gunsmoke in which sea battles were fought, and of which later paintings recording them give a very false impression. In being present as a 'war artist' Pocock was following the precedent of the elder Van de Velde some 140 years earlier, and it is the first instance we know of a professional artist accompanying a fleet with that intention since that time. He subsequently made paintings of the battle, which he exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1796 and 1797. One of these, showing the duel between 'Brunswick' and 'Vengeur', is in the Museum's collection (BHC0471) and this may, in fact, be what is shown here since it is not clear why the British vessel on the left has hitherto been identified at the 'Defence'.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38340966
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This watercolor and graphite print by Nicholas Pocock depicts the intense Battle of the Glorious First of June, 1794, showcasing the 'Defence' (?) and 'Le Vengeur' in action. Pocock's attention to detail brings this historic naval battle to life, capturing the chaos and drama of combat at sea.
Pocock himself likely witnessed this battle firsthand aboard the 'Pegasus', one of Howe's fleet frigates. His rapid sketches from that day provide a unique perspective on the impenetrable fog of gunsmoke that shrouded sea battles like these. This print offers a more authentic portrayal compared to later paintings which often romanticize such events.
In following in the footsteps of artists before him, such as Van de Velde, Pocock became one of the first professional artists to accompany a fleet with the specific intention of documenting war through art. His subsequent paintings exhibited at the Royal Academy further solidified his reputation as a talented maritime artist.
The dynamic composition and meticulous detailing in this print make it a valuable historical document as well as a stunning work of art. It serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by sailors during this pivotal moment in naval history.
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