print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.4888
- Title
- Object: Oh! Lord, Howe- they run or Jack English clearing the gangway before Gibraltar
- Description
-
A stalwart English sailor (right) in profile to the left firing a blunderbuss at figures representing France and Spain. Strapped to his back is an enormous pack inscribed "Provisions for brave Elliot". In his hat is an Ensign flag; he wears trousers and a cutlass. His blunderbuss is emitting a cannon-ball as well as much fire and smoke. Spain, a Spanish flag in his hat, has fallen to the ground, and is holding a blunderbuss in his left hand. France, behind Spain, is running away, his blunderbuss, held over his left shoulder, is going off and ejecting a cannon-ball in the direction of 'Jack English'. His hat, in which is a French flag, nies into the air. In the distance a naval engagement is in progress; a ship flying the British flag, is sinking one of the enemy. 2 November 1782
Hand-coloured etching
- Production date
- 1782
- Dimensions
-
Height: 171 millimetres
-
Width: 252 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M.Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', V, 1935)
This represents the breaking of the blockade of Gibraltar by Lord Howe after outmanoeuvring the allied fleet under Cordova. The combined fleet, though greatly superior to that of Howe, did not accept his challenge on 20 Oct., and there was only a short cannonade from the enemy, who withdrew, making no attempt to come to close quarters. Gibraltar was now well provisioned and secure and opened its gates on 6 Feb. 1783 on news of the signing of the peace. For the failure of the allied bombardment see BMSat 6035, 6036.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.4888