THE ENCAMPMENT OF THE ENGLISH FORCES NEAR PORTSMOUTH. Together with a view of the English and French fleets at the commencement of the action between them on the XIXth of July MDXLV.

A spectacular print of the view from the mainland over the massed troops of the English army, over the Solent, towards the approaching French fleet, who are about to attack Portsmouth.One of a series of prints based on paintings depicting Henry VIIIth’s conflict with France. The prints were comissoned by the Society of Antiquaries from their official engraver James Basire. William Blake was Basire’s apprentice at the time.

Six sheets laid down on linen. Centrefold darkened. Very good condition.