Fighting Ships, 1750-1850

Sails blaze and shred, ranks of cannon trade volleys and, glimpsed through palls of smoke, desperate figures falls to the waves or cling for dear life. Through the eyes of the great maritime painters, the famed ships and and battles of the age of sail are ours to see. Here are vessels being launched and being sunk; in action and on blockade; in port and on voyages of exploration or embassy; as well as architectural drawings, battle diagrams and sea charts; striking portraits of leading figures in naval history, and fascinating images of life below deck.