The Guillaume Tell in action with HMS Penelope in the style of John Christian Schetky

This painting, created by our artist Liu Yingjie, interprets "The Guillaume Tell in action with HMS Penelope" in the style of John Christian Schetky. The original painting, titled "The Guillaume Tell in action with HMS Penelope, with HMS Lion to starboard and HMS Foudroyant coming up astern, 31st March 1800," was painted by Schetky in 1834.

The scene portrays the dramatic capture off the coast of Valetta, Malta, of the 80-gun French ship, 'The Guillaume Tell'. This vessel was the last surviving French ship of the line to escape the Battle of the Nile. The British squadron involved in the action included the 80-gun Foudroyant. The elderly 74-gun Alexander, the 64-gun Lion, and also the 36-gun Penelope, supported by the large frigate Minorca.

In the battle, both Foudroyant and Lion sustained significant damage, leaving Penelope to tow the dis-masted Guillaume Tell into Sicily. Once sufficiently repaired, the ship was taken to Britain, and added to the Royal Navy under the name HMS Malta.

Liu Yingjie's interpretation of this John Christian Schetky painting, captures the intensity and therefore complexity of the original scene. It depicts the British ships in pursuit of the French vessel, emphasizing the strategy and manoeuvring required in naval warfare during the Age of Sail. This painting offers a vivid glimpse into the battle and thus the remarkable circumstances surrounding the capture of Guillaume Tell.

The original painting by Schetky was auctioned by Christie's in May 2000 with an estimated value of £30,000 - £50,000. 

• Oil on Canvas.
• The Guillaume Tell in action with HMS Penelope in the style of John Christian Schetky.
• Bespoke Handmade Frame.

Width: 157 cm  |  Height: 96.5 cm

Item code: OP201