Late 18th Century Black Chalk Drawing: Warship At Sea

Interesting period document representing, certainly from the hand of the. Military engineer, because embarking and representing a warship, required accreditation with the Navy, a snapshot of life on board, and of the peril that lurks at any moment, by force of the elements. The vessel represented is, without a doubt, a member of the Tonnant class, the latest creation of engineer Sanné and Chevalier Borda which represents an immense progress in standardization of the fleet at the end of the 18th century. With its 74 guns, but thin and longer than a frigate, it combines the maneuverability of the latter, with firepower. The English, worried about their supremacy, will not delay in capturing them, to study and copy them. They were in service until the July Monarchy. Even if this drawing is anonymous, one cannot help but notice the finesse of the observation of its author, who represents the moment when the ship comes to take a gust of wind, the prow slapping in the wave, the foam rising, and the men hurrying to lower the sails to avoid the worst. We observe in the distance another building, which, sails inflated, is now undergoing the wind. The drawing is framed in a beautiful 18th century baguette, which has been resoled and recut. Grey paper Black stone an White chalk.