The Capture of the 'Marquise d'Antin' and 'Louis Erasme' by the English Privateers 'Duke' and 'Prince Frederick', 10 July 1745 RMG BHC0366

The Capture of the 'Marquise d'Antin' and 'Louis Erasme' by the English Privateers 'Duke' and 'Prince Frederick', 10 July 1745
A painting testifying to one of the most successful ventures involving two English privateers; the 'Duke', 20 guns, and the 'Prince Frederick', 28 guns, commanded by Captain John Talbot, which captured two out of a squadron of three French merchantmen returning from Lima. The ship to the left of the picture is the 'Marquise d'Antin', port-broadside-to with her colours struck, sails in disarray, holed by shot and her main topmast shot away. Figures involved in the action can be seen on the deck of the English ship. On the right the 'Louis Erasme' and 'Prince Frederick' are in action. The Frenchman is on the left, port-quarter view, firing at the 'Prince Frederick', which is shown in port-bow view replying. There is a man at the 'Louis Erasme's' ensign halyards, so she must be in the act of striking. In the centre background of the picture the 'Dame de Delivrance' makes her escape.
See: Extracts from the ‘Bristol Journal’ and ‘Bristol Advertiser’ concerning the capture of the French 'LEWIS ERASMUS' and the 'MARQUIS DE AUTIN' by the British privateers 'DUKE' and 'PRINCE FREDERICK', and their arrival into Bristol (WLK/2/7)[1]
Most of the artist's extant paintings date to the last six years of his career and are principally marine subject-matter. Brooking's reputation as a marine artist was well established by 1755. In 1754 he completed a commission from the Foundling Hospital in London for a large sea-piece, and in the same year was elected as one of the Foundling Hospital's governors and guardians. Although his stylistic range shows the influences of Simon de Vlieger and Willem van de Velde the Younger, his approach was uncompromisingly individualistic. His father may have been Charles Brooking who was employed as a painter and decorator at Greenwich Hospital, London, between 1729 and 1736. Certainly Brooking's careful attention to detail work evinces an informed knowledge of maritime practice and naval architecture.

The Capture of the Marquise d'Antin and Louis Erasme by the English Privateers Duke and Prince Frederick