Beginning of Knowles' action off Havana, 1 October 1748 RMG BHC0373

Beginning of Knowles' action off Havana, 1 October 1748

When Rear-Admiral Charles Knowles was cruising in search of a Spanish treasure fleet off Havana in 1748, he heard of a squadron of seven Spanish men of war nearby. He met them on 1 October and a brisk action ensued. One of the Spanish ships, the ‘Conquistador’, was captured by the admiral. The Spanish flagship was so badly damaged that her crew fired her to prevent her capture two days later. Despite the English advantage, it was thought that Knowles had not handled his squadron well and on his return to England he was court-martialled and reprimanded.

The right of the painting is taken up with Knowles’s squadron, in loose order. The ships are heading away from the painting on the right towards the unseen Spanish squadron. The nearest ship, the ‘Cornwall’ is leading, with the two-decker with red galleries to weather of her. In the left background there are also a number of merchantmen.

This is one of a pair with BHC0374.

Beginning of Knowles' action off Havana, 1 October 1748

art 1750 s oil on canvas paintings in the united kingdom 1758 oil on canvas paintings 18th century paintings of naval battles 18th century sailing ships in paintings hms cornwall ship 1692 historical images of havana images from art uk naval battles involving great britain naval battles involving spain naval ships of spain in art oil paintings of the royal museums greenwich paintings by samuel scott paintings in the national maritime museum london sailing ships of the royal navy ships of the line of spain war of jenkins ear ship high resolution spain ships named conquistador british navy

1750

Royal collection of the United Kingdom

https://artuk.org/

public domain