Antique Engraving – Felucca for Commerce on the Barbary Coast, 1802

About this sheet

Antique Engraving – Felucca for Commerce on the Barbary Coast, 1802

This antique maritime engraving, published in 1802, depicts a *Felucca*, a traditional lateen-rigged vessel employed for commercial trade along the Barbary Coast of North Africa. The ship is shown under full sail with three prominent masts, a graceful hull, and flowing banners, navigating through open waters under a cloudy sky.

Feluccas were swift and versatile ships commonly used in the Mediterranean during the 17th to 19th centuries. Their design allowed for agility in narrow coastal waters, making them ideal for transporting goods, passengers, and mail between ports along the coastlines of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt. The vessel’s structure is elegantly captured in this print, including the sweeping shape of its lateen sails and the distinctive stern with windows and a fluttering flag.

This engraving was published in London on March 30, 1802, by Arch. It likely formed part of a series illustrating ships of the Mediterranean and North African coasts for educational or documentary purposes during a period of heightened British naval interest in the region.

An ideal piece for collectors of maritime prints or those interested in North African and Mediterranean naval history, this engraving combines historic accuracy with artistic elegance.

Condition report:
Fair condition. Clear plate mark with strong impression. Some age-related toning and faint staining in the lower margin. Image area clean and intact. Small bits missing in lower margin, protected by matting board.

Framing tips:
This piece pairs well with a dark or mahogany wood frame and a warm-toned mat to bring out the sepia and gray tonal range of the print.