Document - Dominique Serres - La Toma de la Habana en 1762 - 1962

The Capture of Havana in 1762, commemorative edition of 1962 (14 pages). This edition is a faithful reproduction of the original published in England, in 1763, size: 65 by 45 cm, produced by F. Mason (5 plates) and P. Carnot (6). All the drawings are the creations of the famous sailor Dominique Serres, eyewitness of the battle and of the surrender of the capital. Born in France, in 1722, destined for a career as a seminarian, he chose to become a sailor and was captured by the English during the Seven Years’ War, between the French and Spanish on one side, and the English on the other. He became the official painter of the “maritime incidents” appointed by George III of England, who appreciated his talent for drawing. The very complete introductory text well recounts the historical context of the period. The almost photograph-like drawings make this book a remarkable document of the events; they attest to the growing hegemony of England at the time.