The day after Trafalgar; the 'Victory' trying to clear the land with the 'Royal Soveriegn' in tow to the 'Euryalus'

The eighth, but last in order of events, of a series of ten drawings (PAF5871–PAF5874, PAF5876, PAF5880-PAF5881 and PAF5883–PAF5885) of mainly lesser-known incidents in Nelson's career, apparently intended for a set of engravings. This and PAF5881 are exceptions in terms of their subject. Pocock's own numbered description of it in a letter of 2 June 1810 (see below) is: '8. Storm the Day after the Battle the "Victory" under Courses Endev[ourin]g to Clear the Land. The "Royal Sovereign" in Tow by the "Euryalus" &c. &c.' The view is towards the coast of Spain off Cadiz, with the lighthouse at Rota in the centre left distance, and 'Victory' heading towards it in stern view over the tow-line. To the right are disabled enemy ships, including prizes, some being cast away in the post-Trafalgar storm. For the rather complex circumstances of the commissioning of these ten drawings, and Pocock's related letters, see ' View of St Eustatius with the "Boreas"' (PAF5871). PAF0021 is a related pencil drawing by Pocock of the same subject. Signed and dated by the artist in the lower right. Exhibited: NMM Pocock exhib. (1975) no. 54.

Object Details

ID: PAF5883
Collection: Fine art; Special collections
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Pocock, Nicholas
Events: Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Trafalgar, 1805
Vessels: Euryalus (1803); Royal Sovereign (1786)
Date made: 1810
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 280 x 377 mm; Mount: 405 mm x 557 mm