$940
Anglo-American School, 19th Century The Explosion of Napoleon's Ship L'Orient , in the Battle of the Nile. Unsigned. Oil on tin, 6 7/8 x 9 3/4 in. (sight), in a molded giltwood frame. Condition: Scattered craquelure and flaking. Note: The French ship L'Orient was built in 1790-91, and was one of the most powerful ships in the French Navy. It sailed with the fleet which brought Napoleon to Egypt to carry out his plan to make Egypt a center for education and enlightenment. But on August 1st, 1798, the British Fleet under Lord Nelson defeated them in the Battle of the Nile in Aboukir Bay. Apparently, leftover paint and solvents were ignited in the battle, causing an explosion of the ship's magazine at about 10 p.m., which was so stunning that it caused a temporary stoppage of the battle.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2003-02-23
