About this sheet
Original antique hand-colored steel engraving depicting the French naval commander Alain Emmanuel de Coëtlogon capturing four Dutch vessels and sinking a fifth off Lisbon in May 1703.
The engraving was made by Jean-Marie Chavanne after a painting by the celebrated French marine artist Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880), for the Galerie Historique de Versailles. The Louvre records this composition in its Chalcographie collection as an engraving after Gudin. ([Louvre Graphique][1])
The original French title reads:
“M. de Coëtlogon prend quatre vaisseaux hollandais et en coule à fond un cinquième à la hauteur de Lisbonne.”
The scene commemorates a French naval victory during the War of the Spanish Succession. Coëtlogon commanded a small French squadron against Dutch vessels off the Portuguese coast, capturing four and sinking another. The historical event is dated to May 1703 in the Versailles and Louvre records.
The engraving is particularly atmospheric, showing the engagement beneath a crescent moon and dark, smoke-filled sky. Damaged and captured vessels occupy the center while small boats move through the turbulent water. Subtle original hand coloring highlights the flags, rigging and hulls.
Théodore Gudin was one of France’s foremost 19th-century marine painters and became an official Peintre de la Marine in 1830. His large historical naval compositions formed an important part of the Galerie Historique de Versailles.
Artist: Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880)
Engraver: Jean-Marie Chavanne
Publisher / Series: Galerie Historique de Versailles
Technique: Original steel engraving with hand coloring
Subject: Coëtlogon capturing Dutch ships off Lisbon
Historical event: May 1703
Origin: France
Publication date: 1839
Style: Romantic / Maritime
Condition:
Good antique condition with overall age-related toning, scattered foxing and spotting, particularly in the margins. Minor marks and handling traces are consistent with age. The engraved image remains strong and atmospheric and retains 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.
Keywords: Coëtlogon, Alain Emmanuel de Coëtlogon, Théodore Gudin, Jean-Marie Chavanne, Dutch Navy, French Navy, Lisbon, Portugal, naval battle, Dutch warships, War of the Spanish Succession, Louis XIV, maritime history, antique naval engraving, hand-colored engraving, Galerie Historique de Versailles, Romantic marine art, original antique print, 1839
