Loss of His Majesty's Ship Venerable / engraving by Robert Dodd

V/141

fonds

Mar 1804 [i.e. Mar 1805 ?], 41 Charing Cross near the Admiralty [Lond.] : R.Dodd

Graphic Materials, Prints

457786

Prints - image 30 x 43 cm., plate marks 35.1 x 48.2 cm., sheet 40.8 x 54.5 cm. - 1 engraving, in window mount

Robert Dodd (1748-1815) was one of the leading maritime artists of his day and was responsible for many of the images of the Napoleonic Wars. He was also an engraver of his own works. -- ML file note
John Hunter, captain of HMS Venerable at the time of her sinking in 1804, had been Governor of New South Wales 1795-1800. His unhappy relationship with the New South Wales Corps led to his recall. Upon his return to England in 1801, Hunter had been ignored, but in 1804 he was given command of the 74 gun third rate Venerable attached to the Channel Fleet. Supposedly the only British warship lost because of a man overboard, she left Torbay at night, ran aground at Paignton Cliff and foundered on 24 Nov 1804 with the loss of 8 lives. Hunter was acquitted at his court martial and eventually promoted to vice admiral in 1810, but never commanded at sea again -- ML file note

"To Captain Hunter, his Officers and Company, This Representation of their unfortunate Shipwreck on the Night of the 24th, November 1804, on the rocks in Torbay is most respectfully Inscribed by their Obt. Servt. Robt. Dodd" -- printed below the title
"Painted by R.Dodd from a Sketch by I.[i.e. John] T. Lee" -- printed right, below the image
"L'Impetereux" [&] "Goliath" printed left, below the image
"Published March 1804 [i.e. 1805 ?] by R.Dodd 41 Charing Cross near the Admiralty" -- printed below the dedication
"B5632" in pencil on the reverse