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Calder’s squadron intercepted the Franco-Spanish fleet under Admiral Villeneuve off north-western Spain, as it returned from its diversionary voyage to the West Indies just before Trafalgar. At a time when Britain had become used to Nelsonic victories, Calder’s failure to engage it decisively led to his formal censure and he was never given another command. This shows the day after the action. British frigates have Calder’s two prizes, the ‘Firme’ and the ‘San Raphael’, under tow on the right and the damaged ‘Windsor Castle’, too, on the left. Calder’s fleet is in formation in the centre and the departing enemy in the distance. Anderson was a Scottish-born shipwright, who became an accomplished marine painter in London after about 1787.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Admiral Sir Robert Calder's Action off Cape Finisterre, 23 July 1805

Date

after 1805

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 77.5 x W 123 cm

Accession number

BHC0539

Work type

Painting

National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England

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Artist or maker

William Anderson

1757–1837

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Admiral Sir Robert Calder's Action off Cape Finisterre, 23 July 1805 National Maritime Museum
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