print
- Museum number
- 1849,1031.242
- Title
-
Object: The Thames, or the Triumph of Navigation
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Series: Society of Arts
- Description
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The Thames, portrayed as a classical river god seated in a chariot facing left, is guided by navigational instruments either improved or invented by Englishmen and propelled by illustrious seamen: Walter Raleigh, Francis Drake, and James Cook. Mercury, God of Commerce, flies above, and nereids bring manufactured goods to trade with the four continents; Europe offers wine and grapes, Asia silks and cotton, America furs, and Africa slaves. Beside Raleigh, is Barry's friend the musician Charles Burney. The naval tower, a later addition celebrating British naval victories that combined mausoleum, observatory and lighthouse, is supported by sailors riding sea horses. In this state horizontal lines through inscription thickened, naval pillar not yet added. 1791
Etching with engraving
- Production date
- 1791
- Dimensions
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Height: 420 millimetres
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Width: 510 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
2018-2019, 29 Nov-4 Aug, London, BM, G91, Reimagining Captain Cook: Pacific Perspectives
- Acquisition date
- 1949
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1849,1031.242