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This is a drawing depicting a classical mythological scene. On the left, a seated figure is observing the central scene, where a standing figure in robes and a helmet points to the right. Another similarly clad character observes nearby, and a lion stands boldly next to them. To the right, a floating figure extends an arm towards a background showing a fleet of ships at sea. Sea creatures or nymphs are visible in the foreground, adding movement to the scene. The composition is in delicate lines with subtle shadings.
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This is a drawing depicting a classical mythological scene. On the left, a seated figure is observing the central scene, where a standing figure in robes and a helmet points to the right. Another similarly clad character observes nearby, and a lion stands boldly next to them. To the right, a floating figure extends an arm towards a background showing a fleet of ships at sea. Sea creatures or nymphs are visible in the foreground, adding movement to the scene. The composition is in delicate lines with subtle shadings.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

An Allegory of Britain's Naval Might

Robert Smirke

Medium
pen and black and brown inks with gray wash over graphite, squared in graphite, on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 11.3 x 19.3 cm (4 7/16 x 7 5/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1995.52.166
Credit line
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • government
  • allegory
  • United Kingdom
  • military
Provenance

(Covent Garden Gallery, Ltd. [William Drummond], London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1978-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.

Inscription

upper right in graphite: 11; by later hand, upper right verso in graphite: N/C / CH / 26 / 512 / 1/2 box / Clip

NGA object ID 76150. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.