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An aquatint depicting a crowd gathering to witness the naval re-enactment on the Serpentine River of the Battle of the Nile. Londoners celebrated the end of the war with France at the Great Fair of 1814 in which the highlight of the fair was the re-enactment. The mock naval action was complete with guns firing at "French" ships, which were slowly sunk to the accompaniment of the national anthem. Hundreds of people gathered to enjoy the various booths that covered Hyde Park.

A fleet of ships with French and British flags is seen on the Serpentine River. Figures stand on the right bank in the foreground. A small child holds a toy ship at the water's edge. Men are in small rowboats near the bank. Across the river, figures dot the bank.


naval battles
1814-01-02
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Hart Nautical
Palser, Thomas
ink; color wash; paper
9 3/4 in x 13 3/4 in
Britain: London