Beautiful, detailed steel engraving from the picture by J.M.W. Turner.
The 98-gun ship 'Temeraire' played a distinguished role in Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, after which she was known as the 'Fighting Temeraire'. The ship remained in service until 1838 when she was decommissioned and towed from Sheerness to Rotherhithe to be broken up.
The painting was thought to represent the decline of Britain's naval power. The 'Temeraire' is shown travelling east, away from the sunset, even though Rotherhithe is west of Sheerness, but Turner's main concern was to evoke a sense of loss, rather than to give an exact recording of the event. The setting of the sun draws a parallel with the passing of the old warship. By contrast the new steam-powered tug is smaller and more prosaic.
Printed on heavyweight ivory/cream stock. Reverse side is blank.
Title (printed below image): The Fighting Temeraire
Publication: The Art Journal
Publication Year: 1864
Publisher: London: Virtue & Co., Ltd.
Approximate Page Size (in inches): 12.75 x 9
Approximate Image Size (in inches): 10 x 7
Condition: Excellent.
Library blind stamp* in margin goes slightly into image area, but does not detract from the beauty of this print.
*blind stamp: A colorless impression that is embossed on paper.
