An epic conflict at sea off the coast of France in May of 1693, the action was painted by period artists, including George Chambers and Philadelphia-born Benjamin West, who sailed to London in 1763 and became a painter to the Court fo King George III. His original work for the monarch has been in the Collection of the National Gallery of Art, U.S.A., since 1959.
The full title of the engraved work completes the dedication and attribution of the artists involved: "This Plate Engraving from a picture of The Battle of La Hogue In His Lordship's Collection is Dedicated by His Lordship's Much Obliged adn Most Obedient Humble Servants - Benjamin West & William Woollett."
The British and Dutch powers responded to an attempt by Louis XIV of France to return James II, a fellow Catholic, to the throne of England. The resounding 5-day defeat off the shore of La Hogue ended this plot decisively. Still, it is recorded that West employed a healthy dose of artistic license in his patriotic image.
