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[The French in the Pacific],…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
23-Jun-2024
Lot No.
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Description:
[The French in the Pacific], James Gillray (1765-1815), 'The Caneing in Conduit Street. Dedicated to the flag officers of the British Navy', [London : 1798; the Bohn restrike of 1851, authorized by Gillray's widow], hand coloured, 26 x 35 cm. Gillray caricatures Thomas Pitt's streetcorner assault on George Vancouver. Pitt came aboard hallmarked sterling Discovery to partake in the Vancouver Expedition to the Pacific. While at Tahiti, Pitt was flogged for trying to trade a piece of broken barrel-hoop for the romantic favours of an island woman. Vancouver had given strict orders against romancing the natives. Pitt was flogged again for unauthorized trade with Indians at port Stewart and then again for breaking the binnacle glass while skylarking with another gentleman. On their return to England, Pitt challenged Vancouver to a duel. Vancouver gravely replied that he was unable 'In a private capacity to answer for his public conduct in his official duty' and offered instead to submit to formal examination by flag officers. Pitt chose instead to stalk Vancouver, ultimately assaulting him on a London street corner.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified