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A Fine Oil Painting of the Battle of Camperdown (October 11, 1797) , circa 1830, attributed to William Stuart, unsigned in original frame. Following the French occupation of Holland soon after the outbreak of the revolutionary wars, the royal navy found itself having to face the not inconsiderable Dutch fleet in addition to the naval forces of France itself. Adopting the usual strategy of blockading all the enemies ports a powerful squadron under admiral Duncan was sent to stand off the Texel and thereby prevent the Dutch either menacing the security of Britain or simply harrying English merchantmen. Duncan mounted his blockade throughout the summer of 1797 but was ordered home for a refit early in October. Leaving several frigates to maintain a watch, he had barely anchored in yarmouth roads when a dispatch boat arrived with the news that the Dutch fleet had taken advantage of his absence and put to sea. Weighing anchor immediately, Duncan sped back to the Dutch coast to prepare for battle and engaged the enemy fleet just after mid-day on October 11, three miles northwest of Kamperduijn (camperdown). The to fleets each had sixteen ships-of-the-line but the Dutch had more frigates and the advantage of position. Duncan, in his H.M.S Venerable, attacked the Dutch flagship vrijheid attracted some of the bitterest fighting and by the time, admiral de winter surrendered her at about 3:15 pm, she was a total wreck and he himself was the only unwounded man aboard her. The battle was effectively ended. It was not only decisive victory for Duncan but it also marked the end of Dutch sea power.
Dimensions: 57" H by 96" L
Condition: Very Good