The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805; The 'Victory' cutting through the French line RMG PW5881

The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805; The 'Victory' cutting through the French line
The seventh, but ninth in order of events, in a series of ten drawings (PAF5871–PAF5874, PAF5876, PAF5880–PAF5881 and PAF5883–PAF5885) of mainly lesser-known incidents in Nelson's career, apparently intended for a set of engravings. This and PAF5883 are exceptions in terms of their subject. Pocock's own numbered description of it in a letter of 2 June 1810, is:'7. "Victory" Cutting thro: the French Line. (Battle of Trafalgar).' For the rather complex circumstances of the commissioning of these ten drawings, and Pocock's related letters, see 'View of St Eustatius with the "Boreas"' (PAF5871). Signed by the artist and dated in the lower right. Exhibited: NMM Pocock exhib. (1975) no. 53.

Battle of Trafalgar. The Victory cutting through the French line