Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Heritage Sites > Maritime Greenwich
The Expedition of the Coffins, or Boney's invincible armada, half above the waves
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
The Expedition of the Coffins, or Boney's invincible armada, half above the waves
MMM5478588 The Expedition of the Coffins, or Boney's invincible armada, half above the waves; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: The Expedition of the Coffins, or Boney's invincible armada, is half above the waves. Published in the month following the resumption of the war in May 1803, and relating to the Napoleonic threat of invasion of Great Britain, which presented the project as an impossible undertaking, the cartoon thus depicts French ships as coffins, maneuvers by a crew wearing shrouds and wearing red hats, some already in drowning, at the same time fueling the supposed duplicity and treachery of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) towards his troops. Color etching, published on January 6, 1804, by S. W. Fores.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38437842
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Afraid British Channel Cannons Canons Coffin Colt Defence Gun Drown Drowned Drowning Accident English Channel Firearm Grave Stone Grave Stones Graves Gravestone Gravestones Gun Barrel Gunpoint Headstones Hunting Rifle Invasion Mariners Napoleonic Battle Napoleonic Conquest Napoleonic War Napoleonic Wars Napoleonic Wars 1804 1815 Pistol Sailoress Scared Scary Scuttling Seaman Seawater Sepulchre Sepulchres Skull Skulls Terrified Terror Tomb Stones Tombs Tombstones Wreck
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Heritage Sites
> Maritime Greenwich
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Northern Ireland
> Related Images
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> School Romanian
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking print captures the essence of fear and defiance during the Napoleonic era with "The Expedition of the Coffins, or Boney's invincible armada, half above the waves." Published in 1804, this color etching by S. W. Fores depicts French ships as coffins manned by a crew wearing shrouds and red hats, symbolizing death and treachery at sea.
As tensions rose between France and Great Britain in May 1803, fears of a French invasion loomed large. This cartoon portrays Napoleon Bonaparte's supposed betrayal of his troops as they face impossible odds against the British navy. The imagery is both chilling and thought-provoking, highlighting the sacrifices made in times of war.
The intricate details in this artwork draw viewers into a world where danger lurks beneath every wave. The skeletons on board serve as a stark reminder of mortality amidst chaos and conflict. The use of symbolism adds layers to the narrative, inviting contemplation on power dynamics and loyalty.
Displayed at the National Maritime Museum in London, this piece stands as a testament to history's enduring impact on art. It serves as a poignant reminder of past struggles while sparking conversations about courage, sacrifice, and resilience in turbulent times.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
