Cavendish’s Ship Desire in Storm near the Strait of Magellan – 18th Century

Maritime

Cavendish’s Ship Desire in Storm near the Strait of Magellan – 18th Century

€ 219

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Sheet size: 36.3 × 23.5 cm (14.3 × 9.3 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13599-118

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Good for age with light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Wide margins present. Blank verso.

About this sheet

The Desire, one of Thomas Cavendish's ships, in a storm near the Strait of Magellan, an original copper engraving of the 18th century from A New, Authentic, and Complete Collection of Voyages Round the World. The imprint at the top reads "London, Published by Alex. Hogg at the Kings Arms, No. 16 Paternoster Row," and the lower corners credit "Verelst pinx." and "Pollard sculp." The caption is lettered in a cartouche below: "The Desire, one of Cavendish's Fleet, in a Dangerous Storm near the Streights of Magellan."

The ship pitches in a rough sea under heavy cloud, its sails straining in the wind, with a dark rocky shore at the left. The picture sits within a decorated frame, topped by a trophy of flags, cannon and navigational instruments around a large scallop shell, and the caption cartouche at the foot is hung with tassels and cords.

Cavendish sailed around the world in 1586 to 1588, following the route of Sir Francis Drake, and the Strait of Magellan was one of the most feared passages on any such voyage. The Desire was one of the ships of his fleet.