A Creamware Transfer-Printed Tankard with Naval Battle Scene

English, after 1798

printed with a view of ships in action representing the Battle of the Nile in 1798, with narrative text reading, Lord Nelson Engaging the Toulon Fleet of the Mouths of the Nile and The young Alexander of France / May boast of his prowess in vain / When Nelson appears tis contest / That Britons are Lords of the Main.
Height 5 5/8 inches.

A near-identical example executed in color is found in the permanent collection of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London (AAA4753). The design is derived from an earlier engraving published by Robert Sayer (British, 1725-1794) after Francis Swaine (British, 1740-1782) depicting an earlier naval battle from 1758.