The death of Major Peirson in the battle of Jersey. Engraving by A. Kessler after J.S. Copley.

  • Copley, John Singleton, 1738-1815.
Date:
1800
Reference:
548107i
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Description

"This picture celebrates the British defence of Jersey against French invasion in 1781 and also pays tribute to a young Major, Francis Peirson, who lost his life in the process. Originally a part of France, the island of Jersey had been in the possession of the English since 1066. On the night of 5-6 January 1781 a small army of French soldiers landed on the island and marched on the capital, St Helier. They captured the Governor, Moses Corbet, and forced him to sign a document of surrender. However, the British garrison and the Jersey militia launched a counter-attack, led by Major Peirson, during the course of which Peirson was killed by a French sniper. Almost immediately, Peirson's black servant, Pompey, turned on the sniper and shot him dead. A battle ensued in Royal Square and the French were defeated."--Tate website, 2017

Publication/Creation

Nürnberg [Nuremberg] : Publish'd ... by J.F. Frauenholz, 1800.

Physical description

1 print : engraving ; platemark 49.8 x 63.5 cm

Lettering

The death of Major Pierson. And the defeat of the French troops in the market place of Saint Helier, in the island of Jersey, Jan.y 6, 1781. Painted by John Singleton Copley R.A. Engraved by A. Kessler.

Reference

Wellcome Collection 548107i

Reproduction note

After a painting acquired by the National Gallery, London, in 1864 and subsequently in the Tate Gallery

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