Admiral lord howe stands in a shell-shaped car drawn by dolphins (as in bmsat 8352), a trident in his right hand; in his left he holds cords attached to the prows of six french ships (right), which advance in a row with tattered sails, british flags flying above the french tricolour. Under his feet is a tattered french flag. A mermaid with an olive branch and a merman with a bunch of oak-leaves rise out of the water (left) on each side of the car. In the air (left) flies a cherub with a british flag, blowing a trumpet from which emerges a large label: 'the gods have witnessed the scene & bear full testimony to the undaunted spirit of the british tars; & while unanimity & confidence reigns in the fleet the british flag shall ever ride triumphant!!!' another cherub holds a wreath above howe's head. 16 june 1794. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1794. Dimensions: Height: 358 mm; Width: 480 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Adm Richard Howe, Earl Howe. Collection: British Museum. The British neptune riding triumphant, or the carmignols dancing to the tune of Rule Britannia. (BM 1865,1111.2025)
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