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Lot description
THOMAS LUNY (BRITISH 1759-1837)THE BRITISH FLEET UNDER ADMIRAL LORD HOWE WITH THE FRENCH PRIZES TAKEN AT THE 'GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE ', 1794Oil on canvasSigned and dated '1794' (lower left)114 x 179cm (44¾ x 70¼ in.)Provenance:David Messum, LondonSale, Bonhams, London, The Marine Sale, 18 April 2018, lot 64Please note that this work is featured in Thomas Luny's stock book, titled as shown.The battle fought on 1st June 1794, was the first fleet action of the French Revolutionary Wars. Admiral Lord Howe, at sea under orders to prevent a large grain convoy reaching France, had spent several weeks searching for it and its escorting warships under Admiral Joyeuse, before finally sighting them on 28th May. A running fight lasting three days ensued, with the French having the advantage of heavy weather. Early on 1st June, with the weather much improved and the two fleets about four miles apart, Lord Howe seized the weather gage and attacked. His strategy was not entirely successful but nevertheless, six French ships-of-the-line were taken as prizes and a seventh, Le Vengeur du Peuple, was sunk after a tremendous duel with H.M.S. Brunswick. The French flagship Montagne was severely damaged, suffering 300 men killed and yet, despite these losses, the convoy of merchantmen escaped Howe's clutches whilst the fleets were engaged and managed to reach the French mainland safely.We are grateful to Michael Naxton for his assistance with cataloguing this lot.