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Notes
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A painting showing an action during the war with Spain, 1718–1720. In 1717, to strengthen the Treaty of Utrecht, Britain, France and Austria contemplated ceding Sicily to the Emperor. This arrangement displeased the Spanish, who wanted to recover the island. Admiral Sir George Byng was accordingly sent to the Mediterranean. Early August found Byng's fleet at anchor in the Bay of Naples. On 6 August, he sailed for Messina, the only place in Sicily that had not fallen to the Spaniards. On approaching, he heard that the Spanish fleet was close by and he soon sighted the Spanish, who retreated before him in line of battle all that day and night. To ensure that he did not lose them in the darkness he sent ahead his fastest ships, who kept close to the enemy, carrying lights to guide the rest of the fleet.
Title
The Battle of Cape Passaro, 11 August 1718
Date
c.1718–1740s
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 90 x W 122 cm
Accession number
BHC0350
Acquisition method
National Maritime Museum (Greenwich Hospital Collection)
Work type
Painting