Mexico. Entrance of the Port of Acapulco. Anson, c1748

by Anson, George

18thC antique print View of Acapulco. Anson's Voyages

Original copperplate engraving of 2 Commodore Anson's ships, during circumnavigation of the world. Published in London c1748 for A Voyage Round the World in the Years MDCCXL, I, II III, IV (1740,1,2,3,4) by George Anson Esquire, and "esteemed as the story of a remarkable voyage extremely well told".

Between 1739 and 1744 Commodore George Anson (1697-1762), led a squadron of eight ships on a mission to disrupt or capture the Pacific Ocean possessions of the Spanish Empire. Circumnavigating the world, he returned to Britain from China after capturing the Manila Galleon (Spain's regular crossing of the Pacific Ocean between the Spanish Crown's Viceroyalty of New Spain in Mexico City and its Asian territories, known as the Spanish East Indies). Appointed Admiral of the British fleet, Lord Anson initiated many reforms in the navy.

This large rare engraving has later hand-colour, and wide margins all round, with two vertical folds to accommodate a smaller publication. As to be expected with such an old piece of paper, there is damage and soiling (with conservation reinforcement). Page 305 x 540mm (12 x 21.25 inches). To intaglio impression measures 225 x 505mm (8.6 x 20 inches).