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The monarchy was restored in France when Napoleon surrendered and was imprisoned in Elba. Louis XVIII left Dover for Calais, on the afternoon of 24 April 1814 aboard the yacht 'Royal Sovereign 'and entered Paris on 3 May 1814. He was escorted by a squadron of British and Russian ships of war, under the command of Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence (later William IV). The 'Royal Sovereign' is in the centre of the picture in starboard-broadside view. She is wearing the Union at the mizzen, the Admiralty flag at the fore and a white Bourbon flag at the main. Under her bow and beyond her is a two-decker, the' Eagle', in starboard-quarter view firing a salute. To starboard of her is the frigate 'Jason', shown with the Duke of Clarence on board, in starboard-quarter view, with the Union at the main and also firing a salute.
Pocock placed considerable importance on accuracy, referring to his annotated drawings and sketch plans in the production of his oil paintings. He was born and brought up in Bristol, went to sea at the age of 17 and rose to command several merchant ships. Although he only took up painting as a profession in his early 40s, he became extremely successful, receiving commissions from naval commanders anxious to have accurate portrayals of actions and ships. By the age of 80, Pocock had recorded nearly 40 years of maritime history, demonstrating a meticulous understanding of shipping and rigging with close attention to detail.
Title
The 'Royal Sovereign' Conveying Louis XVIII to France, 24 April 1814
Date
1814
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 127 x W 178 cm
Accession number
BHC3612
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
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