Conference in Algiers

£1,250 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

This rare aquatint depicts an often forgotten milestone on the long road towards the abolition of slavery. The peace conference formed the conclusion of the bombardment of Algiers by the combined British and Dutch fleets under the command of Admiral Lord Exmouth, which took place on August 27th, 1816. The presentation of this copy omits the engravers and publisher's details, as is the case with another example traced in the collection of Brown University. Fortunately, an example held by the National Army Museum names the well-known publisher of naval and military history of this time, James Jenkins. It also identifies the artist, but only by the initials "G.F.L." However, within the substantial fleet was a young naval officer, who was to go on to become a great explorer, author and illustrator, George Francis Lyons (1795-1832). After the events at Algiers, he went on to study Arabic, and would travel in native costume. In 1818 he was sent on a woefully under-organised mission to find the source of the Niger, an account of which he illustrated and published in 1821, as A Narrative of Travels in North Africa. A summary account of the events that culminated in this scene can be found in a record of the 1,362 medals awarded to British seamen who took part in the operation as follows: "The action was brought about by the piratical depredations of the Algerines, and the enslavement of Christians by them. Lord Exmouth sailed for the port with 5 ships of the line and 8 smaller vessel

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.