About this sheet
Original antique hand-colored steel engraving depicting the French capture of Rio de Janeiro on 22 September 1711, during the War of the Spanish Succession.
The scene was engraved by Joseph/William Skelton after a painting by the celebrated French marine artist Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880), for the Galerie Historique de Versailles. The Louvre records the composition as La prise de Rio-Janeiro, le 22 septembre 1711, engraved by Skelton after Gudin.
The historical event was led by the famous French naval commander and privateer René Duguay-Trouin (1673–1736). His expedition successfully attacked Portuguese-held Rio de Janeiro in September 1711, capturing the city and securing a substantial ransom.
Gudin presents the episode as a highly atmospheric nocturnal maritime scene. French ships approach through rough water beneath enormous storm clouds, with a crescent moon at left and lightning dramatically illuminating the mountains and harbor at right.
Théodore Gudin was one of the foremost French marine painters of the 19th century and became an official Peintre de la Marine in 1830. His historical naval paintings played an important role in the great historical galleries created at Versailles under Louis-Philippe.
Artist: Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880)
Engraver: Skelton
Original title: Prise de Rio-Janeiro, 22 Sept. 1711
Technique: Original steel engraving with hand coloring
Subject: Capture of Rio de Janeiro by René Duguay-Trouin
Historical date depicted: 22 September 1711
Publication: Galerie Historique de Versailles
Origin: France
Publication date: 1838 ([Iberlibro (ES)][3])
Style: Romantic / Maritime
Condition:
Good antique condition with overall age-related toning, scattered foxing and spotting, particularly in the broad margins. More noticeable staining is 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.
Keywords: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Duguay-Trouin, René Duguay-Trouin, Théodore Gudin, Skelton, French Navy, Portuguese Navy, Brazil history, Rio 1711, naval battle, maritime battle, War of the Spanish Succession, Louis XIV, sailing ships, antique Brazil print, antique Rio de Janeiro print, maritime engraving, Galerie Historique de Versailles, hand-colored engraving, Romantic marine art, original antique print, 1838
