The conflict between the English Fleet and the Spanish Armada during the launching of English fireships on the Spanish fleet off Calais, with troops holding an English standard in the foreground and Queen Elizabeth I on horseback attended by a nobleman, possibly the Earl of Leicester, beyond
inscribed 'SPAENSCHE ARMAD INT IAR 1588' (in a cartolino upper centre) with further inscriptions in gold: 'NR' (in top quadrants) and 'PN' (in bottom quadrants, on English standard held by troops, lower right); 'S MA...TUS/OR...A/PE...R/NOBIS' (St Matthew pray for us, arranged around oval image of male saint on ensign of main Spanish ship, lower left); and 'P...G' (on approximations of Spanish royal standards, with Burgundian ragged crosses at the main, fore and ensign staff of the Spanish flagship, centre right)
gouache on vellum laid down on panel
14 x 35 cm.(5½ x 13¾ in.)
Saleroom notices
- Please note that this lot is signed with a monogram 'W/HE' (in gold, lower right, the H and the E in ligature)