Sea Charts · 18th century
€ 330
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Strong engraved impression with wide margins. Light age toning and scattered spotting. Original plate mark visible. Minor marginal wear and handling marks consistent with age. Overall well preserved.
American Privateer Captures an English Packet Boat, 1777 Maritime Engraving
This original eighteenth-century maritime engraving depicts the capture of an English packet boat by an American privateer during the American Revolutionary War. The scene is based on an event that occurred on 2 May 1777 and is recorded in the Dutch caption beneath the image: "Een Engelsche Paket-boot door een Americaansche Kaaper genomen, den 2 May A° 1777," translated as "An English packet boat captured by an American privateer on 2 May 1777."
The engraving was designed by Hendrik Kobell and engraved by Simon Fokke, two of the most respected Dutch artists of the eighteenth century. Kobell was renowned for his marine paintings and naval subjects, while Fokke became one of Amsterdam's most prolific engravers. Their collaboration produced a dramatic and historically significant image documenting maritime warfare during the struggle for American independence.
The composition focuses on the captured vessel battling rough seas beneath a dramatic sky. The ships are rendered with exceptional attention to rigging, sails, and hull construction, making the print especially appealing to collectors of naval history and historic sailing ships. Beyond its visual appeal, the engraving reflects the global nature of the American Revolution, a conflict that extended far beyond North America and affected trade routes and shipping throughout the Atlantic world.
The capture of British vessels by American privateers played an important role in disrupting British commerce and communications during the war. Prints such as this helped European audiences follow the progress of events in America and illustrate the growing international significance of the conflict.
Keywords: American Revolution, American privateer, English packet boat, Revolutionary War, 1777, maritime history, naval history, sailing ship, Atlantic trade, British shipping, privateering, Hendrik Kobell, Simon Fokke, Dutch engraving, naval warfare, Americana, maritime print, eighteenth-century engraving, merchant vessel, sea battle.
Special note: This is an original 18th-century engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.
Condition Report
Strong engraved impression with wide margins. Light age toning and scattered spotting. Original plate mark visible. Minor marginal wear and handling marks consistent with age. Overall well preserved.
Framing Tips
This maritime engraving displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or gilt frame with an ivory museum mat. Ideal for libraries, studies, yacht clubs, coastal homes, and collections of naval or American history.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Simon Fokke after Hendrik Kobell, Amsterdam, 1777–1778
