Price: $475.00
SKU: 87838
PUBLISHER: London: publish's as the Act directs, 1782 by John Morris, Rathbone Place.
MEDIUM: Mezzotint,
DATE: 1782.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 13 1/8 x 9 5/8" (33.3 x 24.4 cm).
DESCRIPTION: This mezzotint depicts George Augustus Eliott (1717–1790), the British Lieutenant General and Commander of the Fortress of Gibraltar, during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783). The remainder of the title translates to "Royal British Lieutenant General and Commander of the Fortress of Gibraltar." Published in 1782 by John Morris of Rathbone Place, at the height of the siege, the print commemorates Eliott’s steadfast leadership and strategic brilliance during one of Britain’s most intense military defenses. The scene is dynamic, with Eliott standing beside a cannon, his right hand resting on it while his left gestures toward the fierce battle in the background. The siege is vividly brought to life, with shells captured mid-flight, arcing dramatically through the air as they bombard the fortress, emphasizing the chaos and peril faced by the defenders. <br><br> Eliott’s governorship of Gibraltar began in 1777, and his engineering expertise significantly strengthened the fortress’s defenses. The siege commenced in July 1779, as French and Spanish forces sought to starve the garrison into submission. The conflict culminated on 13 September 1782 in a massive assault involving 100,000 men, 48 ships, and 450 cannons. Despite the overwhelming odds, Eliott’s disciplined leadership ensured the fortress held firm. By February 1783, the siege concluded with a British victory, and Eliott was honored with a Knighthood of the Bath and official thanks from the British Parliament. This mezzotint not only celebrates Eliott’s commanding presence but also serves as a testament to the extraordinary resilience of Gibraltar’s defenders.
ADDITIONAL INFO: This piece is in a 13.75 x 19.5 inch archival mylar for handling.
CONDITION: Good condition save for scattered foxing. Full margins.
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