The Battle of the Nile, 1 August 1798 RMG BHC0512

The Battle of the Nile, 1 August 1798
An important naval engagement during the French Revolutionary War, 1793-1802. On 19 May 1798, Napoleon sailed from Toulon on his hazardous adventure to Egypt, capturing Malta en route. On realizing this, Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson initially looked for the French at Alexandria, but when he did not find them he sailed back to Syracuse in Sicily to reposition before returning to Alexandria. There, on 1 August, he received a signal that the French fleet had been sighted anchored in Aboukir Bay, 15 miles east of Alexandria. Thence Nelson headed, appearing off Aboukir Island at 17.30. Despite the failing daylight, his ships immediately attacked the head of the unprepared French fleet at anchor, commanded by Admiral Brueys. Three ships rounded the bows of the leading French ships, one passed between the first and second ship and another between the sixth and seventh. Luny has shown the leading British ships coming into action at about 18.30. In fact he has painted the scene incorrectly since he has positioned the line of British ships on the wrong side of the picture. This error may indicate that the painting may have been made from an engraving which would show a reverse image. Luny produced several versions of this battle at different times of the day. It is signed and dated ‘T.Luny. 1800’.

The battle of the Nile, 1 August 1798