Sunset over Palermo - John Christian

Vice-Admiral Lord Keith was second-in-command of the Mediterranean Fleet, under Admiral Jarvis, 1st Earl St. Vincent.  His flagship was HMS Queen Charlotte of 100 guns -the first of that name. 

In January 1800 she was at Palermo, in company with HMS Foudroyant (80-guns), the flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson.  At this time the fleet sought to capture French supply ships between Tunis and Genoa.

Shortly after, in March 1800, Queen Charlotte caught fire and sank while reconnoitering the island of Capraia in the Tuscan Archipelago.  Keith was not on board at the time and observed the disaster form the shore. 

Original watercolour on paper signed lower right.

Image size: 17.25 x 13.25 inches
Mount size: 22 x 18 inches
Frame size: 25 x 21 inches