'Start of the action between HMS Magicienne and La Sibylle, 2 January 1783'. This painting depicts a battle that occurred on 2nd January 1783 between the 32-gun frigate HMS ‘Magicienne’ (seen in centre-foreground), and the French navy ship ‘Sibylle’, another 32-gun ‘5th rate’ (seen on the left behind the ‘Magicienne’). The two ships are exchanging broadsides, as shown by the clouds of gun-smoke, and both have suffered apparent damage. The ‘Magicienne’, shown here flying the Blue Ensign, was itself a French naval vessel until it was captured by the British on 2nd July 1781, nearly two years before. The ‘Sibylle’ was herself captured by HMS ‘Centurion’ the following month, on 22nd February 1783. Two other vessels can be seen in the background, one on each side of the combatants.The painting was produced in 1784, a year after this battle.