The battle of Alexandria: Sir Ralph Abercromby (Abercrombie) is taken from the battle after being wounded in the thigh (key to the painting). Engraving, 1804, after R. Ker Porter.

  • Porter, Robert Ker, Sir, 1777-1847.
Date:
June 4, 1804
Reference:
547647i
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Description

Abercromby is attended by Surgeon Gillham on hi sright and Assistant Surgeon Fearon on his left

"Either because of his not inconsiderable courage, his severe short-sightedness, or both he had strayed dangerously close to the enemy. In the poor light he only narrowly escaped capture by a French dragoon and, not long afterwards, was struck by a musket ball in the thigh and was evacuated to the fleet's flagship, HMS Foudroyant. Even then his concern for the well-being and efficiency of the rank and file shone forth; he insisted that a soldier's blanket that had been fashioned into a pillow for him by an aide should be returned to its rightful owner at once. After rallying a little he faltered, and finally succumbed to septicaemia at 11 p.m. on 28 March 1801 [in Malta]." (Oxford dictionary of national biography, s.v. Abercromby)

Publication/Creation

London (Gt Newport Street) : Published by John P. Thompson printseller to his Majesty & the Duke & Duchess of York, June 4, 1804.

Physical description

1 print : engraving ; platemark 38 x 54 cm

Lettering

Descriptive sketch of the print of the death of Gen: Sir Ralph Abercrombie ... Description de l'estampe représentant la mort du Général Sir Ralph Abercrombie. Bears extensive engraved lettering: a key to the subjects of the picture on the left and right sides of the outline image, and, below, a description of the event in English and French. The key identifies 41 people and 8 features of the locality

Reference

Wellcome Collection 547647i

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