A view of the spartan attacking a french squadron in the bay of naples, 3 may 1810. Napoleonic wars (1803-15). This view shows the british frigate spartan, left of the centre foreground, firing on the french ships to the left and right. In this action of 3 may 1810, the spartan engaged a french squadron comprising the brig cérès (a large corvette, a brig and a cutter with 95 guns and about 1400 men compared with the spartan's 46 guns and 258 men), the fama, sparviere, achilles and seven gunboats. After a fierce battle during which the sparviere struck her colours and captain jahleel brenton (later sir jahleel brenton, vice-admiral of the white, 1770-1844) was wounded in the hip by grapeshot, the remaining french ships retreated to the protection of the batteries of baia. Brenton was awarded a sword by lloyd's patriotic fund, created a baronet and the two sicilies presented him with the grand cross of st ferdinand. One of a pair of prints, the companion print is at rcin 735154. B. George iii catalogue entry: naval engagement two views of h. M. Ship spartan, captain j. Brenton, attacking and defeating the french squadron, and taking possession of the captured brig sparviere, in the bay of naples on the 3. D of may 1810: by whitcombe, engraved by baily, and published by andrews, 1812. Date: April 1812. Dimensions: 45.1 x 60.6 cm (image). Medium: aquatint with etching and engraving. Depicted Place: Bay of Naples. Collection: Royal Collection. Bay of Naples, 1810 RCIN 735154.a
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