The vision of Nantes, or, The patriotick attack of the troops national / I Cruikshank del.
London : Pub. July 20, 1791, by S. Fores, No. 3 Piccadilly, [20 July 1791]
Library's copy has been cropped with loss to image.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
In the foreground (left) is the quarter-deck of a small vessel, on which six French soldiers with ferocious gestures are taking down the British flag; a hump-backed soldier has climbed the flagstaff, and crouches with drawn sword, saying, "oh by Gar I was on de Pinnicle of my Glory". Through his ragged breeches issues the word 'Commandant'. In the lower left corner of the design is the head of an English sailor, saying, "that sweet little Cherub that sits up aloft he will shortly come wap on his Back". Two men bite the flag. Another, very emaciated, says, "aha Monr Angloise we was Men Enough (40.000) to take de whole fleet". Two other soldiers peer over the edge of the vessel. The ship is in harbour, behind her is another (English) vessel whose flag is being removed and sails furled. A British sailor stands in a boat on the extreme right, shouting, "avast Bougres well teach you to take 2 Merchant ships for a fleet of Men of War again". On the horizon are buildings inscribed 'Nantes'. Across the sky is etched 'Rehearsal'. Cf. George.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.