285. THOMAS LUNY (1759-1837). THE BATTLE OF THE NILE, AUGUST 1798.

Signed and dated indistinctly (apparently 1799), bears old inscribed label on stretcher (now stained and illegible), oil on canvas
54.5 x 84.5cm.;
with an ink key identifying all the vessels (possibly by Luny), entitled `Battle of the Nile on Augst 2.1798, taken at the time the Zealous Capt Hood is going down to prevent the escape of two french line of Battle Ships and two frigate`, 23 x 36.5cm. (2)

Provenance: Acquired, c.1980, by a descendant of Viscount Hood; and thence by descent

* After landing Napoleon's army to conquer Egypt and to drive eastward, the French fleet moored in a strategic place of safety in Aboukir Bay on the Mediterranean coast. Nelson's fleet tracked them down and launched straight into battle at sundown on August 1st 1798. Soon overwhelmed, the French flagship was set ablaze and blew up and by the next day just two French ships of the line and two frigates remained. It has long been regarded as the most complete victory in the age of sail, isolating Napoleon and his army in North Africa and creating conditions in which the coalition against France could be developed. Within a span of barely 24 hours, Nelson's reputation as a naval hero was assured after this demonstration of swift and ruthless superiority.

Viscount Hood's role in the Battle was no less decisive. In `Zealous`, he also crossed the French line and anchored alongside the French ship `Guerrier` in the space that Captain Foley had envisaged for his own vessel `Goliath`. Hood soon engaged the lead ship's bow from close range and, within five minutes, the foremast of the French vessel had fallen. The swiftness of the move raised loud cheers from the emboldened crews of the British ships.