About this sheet
Original antique hand-colored steel engraving depicting the French warship Triton fighting the British warship Jupiter and the frigate Medea on 20 October 1778.
The original French title reads: “Combat du vaisseau français le Triton contre le vaisseau anglais le Jupiter et la frégate anglaise la Médée, 20 Octobre 1778”
The scene was painted by the celebrated French marine artist Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880) and engraved by Chavanne aîné for the Galerie Historique de Versailles.
The engagement took place during the American Revolutionary War, when France and Great Britain were fighting for naval supremacy in the Atlantic and other waters. The French Triton is shown engaged against two British vessels, HMS Jupiter and the frigate Medea.
Gudin presents the action with characteristic Romantic drama. Three large warships dominate the dark sea, surrounded by dense cannon smoke beneath a dramatic moonlit sky. Subtle original hand coloring highlights the sails, flags, hulls and flashes of the engagement.
Théodore Gudin was one of France’s foremost 19th-century marine painters and was appointed an official Peintre de la Marine in 1830. His historical naval compositions formed an important part of the Galerie Historique de Versailles.
Original title: Combat du vaisseau français le Triton contre le vaisseau anglais le Jupiter et la frégate anglaise la Médée
Subject: French Triton fighting HMS Jupiter and HMS Medea
Historical date depicted: 20 October 1778
Historical period: American Revolutionary War
Publication: Galerie Historique de Versailles
Style: Romantic / Maritime
Condition:
Good antique condition with overall age-related toning and scattered foxing and spotting, particularly throughout the broad margins. More noticeable staining and foxing are present along the lower margin. Minor marks and handling traces are consistent with age. The engraved image remains strong and atmospheric, retaining attractive period hand coloring.
Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
Please note: This is an original antique 19th-century hand-colored engraving, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Other companion naval engravings from the Galerie Historique de Versailles are also available separately.
