Dominic Serres R.A. - A View of the Citadel and Town of Palais on Belleisle (1763)

Subject: A View of the Citadel and Town of Palais on Belleisle (The siege and capture of the French island of Belle-Île-en-Mer in 1761 during the Seven Years’ War).
Dedication: Dedicated to British Rear Admiral Augustus Keppel (Commander of the British fleet).
Artists & Engraver:
Painter / Composition: Dominic Serres R.A. (1722–1793) (Serres Pinx.) — Court painter to King George III and founder of the Royal Academy.
Sketch made on site: Richard Short (R. Short delin.) — British naval officer and draughtsman.
Engraver: Antoine (Anthony) Benoist (1721–1770) (Benoist Sculp.) — Renowned French-British master engraver.
Publication: Originally published on 25 April 1763 in London by R. Short.

Title: A View of the Citadel and Town of Palais on Belleisle (Seven Years' War, 1761)
Makers:
After Dominic Serres R.A. (1722–1793) (Painter)
Richard Short (Draughtsman on site)
Antoine (Anthony) Benoist (1721–1770) (Engraver)
Print date: 18th century (Published 25 April 1763 by R. Short, London)
Genre: Maritime & Military History Print / Topographical Copper Engraving

Medium / Technique: Original 18th-century copper engraving on handmade laid paper
Frame: Solid Biedermeier mahogany frame with 4 turned corner rosettes (c. 1830–1850) 
Dimensions including frame: 64.5 cm (width) × 48.5 cm (height)
Visible artwork on the front (rabbet size): 52.5 cm (width) × 37.0 cm (height)
Total weight: 2.9 kg

Print / Paper: Original 18th-century impression. Attractive historical patina with slight age-related discoloration (foxing/marbled marks in the margin), consistent with its 18th-century date. All text panels, makers’ names and dedications to Rear Admiral Keppel are fully legible.
Frame: Heavy, authentic Biedermeier mahogany frame. The mahogany veneer and solid sections have a rich, warm sheen. The four turned wooden corner rosettes are in good condition.

Historical Event: The English siege and capture of Le Palais on Belle-Île-en-Mer (France) in April–June 1761 by Commodore Augustus Keppel and General Studholme Hodgson.
Dedication inscription: "THIS Plate (being an Exact Representation of the Citadel & Town of Palais on Belleisle...) is most humbly Inscribed to Rear Admiral Augustus Keppel by his most devoted Servant R. Short."
Museum references: Examples from this rare series are held in the permanent collections of, among others, the National Maritime Museum (Greenwich, UK), The British Museum (London) and The Mariners' Museum.

Provenance: From the curated collection of antiques dealer & high-end interior architect Marc Soudant (Belgium/Maasmechelen).

Purchase context: Selected by Marc Soudant at the English antiques market / estate auctions for its rare maritime subject matter and the decorative appeal of the mahogany frame with Biedermeier rosettes.

Condition:
Excellent antique condition. The print displays an attractive original age patina. The Biedermeier mahogany frame is in very good condition.