Title: French Capture of San Juan de Ulúa, Mexico after Gudin, c. 1840
Original antique hand-colored steel engraving depicting the French capture of the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa at Veracruz, Mexico, on 27 November 1838.
The original French title reads:
“Prise du fort de Saint-Jean d’Ulloa, 27 Novembre 1838”
The scene is after Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880), one of the foremost French marine painters of the 19th century, and was engraved by James Kernott for the Galerie Historique de Versailles.
The engraving commemorates the French naval attack on the heavily fortified island fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, guarding the important Mexican port of Veracruz. The action took place during the Franco-Mexican conflict commonly known as the Pastry War.
Gudin presents the event as a dramatic maritime scene. French warships approach the fortress beneath a dark and atmospheric sky while smoke rises over the harbor and coastline. The individual French vessels are identified beneath the image, adding considerable historical interest.
Théodore Gudin was appointed an official Peintre de la Marine in 1830 and became renowned for his dramatic depictions of naval battles, storms, shipwrecks and important episodes from French maritime history. His historical naval paintings formed an important part of the Galerie Historique de Versailles.
Artist: Baron Théodore Gudin (1802–1880)
Engraver: James Kernott
Original title: Prise du fort de Saint-Jean d’Ulloa, 27 Novembre 1838
Technique: Original steel engraving with hand coloring
Subject: French capture of San Juan de Ulúa, Veracruz, Mexico
Historical date depicted: 27 November 1838
Historical conflict: Pastry War / Franco-Mexican conflict
Publication: Galerie Historique de Versailles
Origin: France
Date: circa 1840
Style: Romantic / Maritime
Condition: Good antique condition with overall age-related toning, scattered foxing and spotting, particularly in the broad margins. More noticeable staining is present along the lower margin. Minor marks and handling traces are consistent with age. The engraved image remains strong and atmospheric and retains attractive period hand coloring. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
Please note: This is an original antique 19th-century hand-colored engraving, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords: San Juan de Ulúa, Veracruz, Mexico, Théodore Gudin, Theodore Gudin, James Kernott, French Navy, Mexican history, Pastry War, Guerre des Pâtisseries, naval battle, Veracruz 1838, French Mexican conflict, maritime history, antique Mexico print, antique Veracruz print, naval engraving, hand-colored engraving, Galerie Historique de Versailles, Versailles, Romantic marine art, original antique print, circa 1840
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