Patagonia, north of Port St. Julian. Anson's Voyage c1748.

by Anson, George

British sailing ships off Patagonia. Lord Anson fleet off South America.

Original copperplate engraving published in London in 1748 for A Voyage Round the World in the Years MDCCXL, I, II III, IV (1740,1,2,3,4) by George Anson Esquire, "the story of a remarkable voyage extremely well told".

During Britain's conflict with Spain, between 1740 and 1744 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. Anson's voyage was notable for the capture of 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). Returning to Britain via China Anson circumnavigated the world. He was appointed Admiral of the entire British Fleet and initiated many reforms in the navy.

This beautiful engraving of 18th century sailing ships has fine hand-color, wide margins all round, and a central vertical fold to accommodate a smaller publication. Serious spot lower right of pic. Page 300 x 475mm (11.75 x 18.75 inches). To intaglio impression measures 203 x 435mm (8 x 17.25 inches).