Battle of the Nile 1st August 1798 An engraved and hand-coloured map 21, A. K. Johnston, Atlas to Alison's History of Europe, 1850 art print poster canvas gift

Battle of the Nile 1st August 1798 - a historical hand-coloured illustration (map 21), engraved by A.K. Johnston for Atlas to Alison's History of Europe, published by W. Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh & London, in 1850.

Alexander Keith Johnston (1804 - 1871) was a Scottish geographer and cartographer. His initial interest to geography was inspired by inaccuracy of maps Johnston used in his early years hiking in West Highlands. After graduating from University of Edinburgh he joined his brother in printing business "W. & A. K. Johnston" which used the clan motto "Ready Aye Ready" as their logo. The rest of Johnston's life was devoted to geography and map making. Among other works, Johnston created the first English language physical globe of the world, and an atlas of military geography to accompany Alison's History of Europe, first published in 1848. The company W & A K Johnston were appointed engravers to King William IV and Johnston was later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

The Battle of the Nile was a major naval battle fought by the British Royal Navy against the French Navy of the French Republic at Aboukir Bay on the Mediterranean coast off the Nile Delta of Egypt on 1st - 3rd of August 1798. The British fleet, led by Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, decisively defeated the French under Vice-Admiral François-Paul Brueys D'Aigalliers. Nelson's force split into two divisions as they approached, one cutting across the head of the French line and passing between the French and the shore, while the order engaged the seaward side. By the end of the battle, the French lost 13 ships out of 17, Vice-Admiral Brueys died cut in half by a British cannon shot, and the French flagship Orient spectacularly exploded at about 22-00. The battle has reversed the strategic military balance between Britain and France and established the Royal Navy as dominant force. It also encouraged other European countries to turn against France. Nelson has been wounded in the battle, and was later made Baron Nelson of the Nile and proclaimed a hero across Europe. 

This poster is a high quality "giclée" reproduction of a restored antique original, custom-printed on Standard Single-weight Matt Coated art paper 140gsm or  Heavyweight Matt Coated art paper 230gsm (more of a thin card density), or superb Epson Matt Canvas 320gsm, according to your choice. We use the latest UltraChromeHDX pigment inks which guarantee 60 years of colour  permanence (up to 200 years fade-proof for colour prints).  This poster is suitable for mounting and framing, as well as direct display on a wall.