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On the 220th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar we are pleased to present this majestic painting by Dominic Serres, Marine Painter to HM King George III. The scene is the aftermath of a significant British victory in April 1782, during the American Revolutionary Wars, when Vice-Admiral Barrington's squadron engaged a French convoy off Brest. Here, Foudroyant is seen leading the captured 74-gun Pégase into Portsmouth harbour, to the acclaim of crowds gathered on the foreshore, and onlookers in small boats accompanying the French prize. Foudroyant's gallant captain was John Jervis (1735-1823), who acquired this picture after its display at the Royal Academy in 1793. In 1797, commanding HMS Victory, he and his protégé Horatio Nelson famously distinguished themselves at the Battle of Cape St Vincent, in recognition of which Jervis was created Earl of St Vincent.
 
 It is probable that as one of the leading marine painters of the day Serres was there at Portsmouth to witness the arrival of Pégase, a moment which must have had added poignancy for him as his son Dominique Michael was serving on board Foudroyant. Pégase is seen jury-rigged after losing her topmasts, and manned no doubt by a prize crew from Foudroyant. This stirring scene is replete with details which will appeal to collectors of marine painting and enthusiasts of the great age of fighting sail. Despite the fierce skirmish and resulting damage, the figurehead of the winged horse is shown gleaming white and unscathed, while just aft on the port side a large anchor has been readied.
 
It is rewarding that, occasionally, important examples of 18th century British marine painting such as this one still emerge from obscurity to remind us of the huge significance in the period of the events shown.