A view of the destruction by the british fleet of the french ships and arsenal at toulon on 18 december 1793 together with a printed sheet (rcin 735020. B) with an explanation of the view. French revolutionary wars (1792-1802): war of the first coalition (1792-8). Toulon was the french navy's principal mediterranean port; it was occupied by the british fleet, under the command of admiral lord hood. Between september and december 1793 the french revolutionary forces, to whom was attached napoleon bonaparte as a colonel of artillery, had surrounded the port. The british fleet, sydney smith (later admiral sir sydney smith) was ordered to burn as many french ships and stores as possible. This view is taken from the entrance to the inner road; the bright explosion in the centre is a powder magazine. Beyond it, and to the right, the french navy and arsenal can be seen in flames. The fortification to the right of the harbour is le gros tour and, to the left, forts balaguir and auguilette. The rows of soldiers on the banks overlooking the harbour to the left are the french artillery. George iii catalogue entry: toulon view of the conflagration effected at toulon on the night of the 18. Th dec. R 1793 under the direction of sir sidney smith: by arch. D robertson 1794: with an explanation. Date: 1794. Dimensions: 44.1 x 61.5 cm (image). Medium: aquatint with etching and engraving. Depicted Place: Toulon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Collection: Royal Collection. Toulon, 1793 RCIN 735020.a
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