Macartney, governor of the Island of Grenada surrendering his sword to the comte d’Estaing
In the last months of his life, Saint-Aubin made two drawings glorifying the French capture of Grenada in 1779. Here, we see the surrender of the British governor George Macartney, first earl Macartney (1737–1806).
France and Britain had long fought over the island. It had been controlled by the French from around 1650 until 1762, when it capitulated to the British. It was ceded to Britain in 1763 as part of the Treaty of Paris. In 1779, it was recaptured by the French, as depicted by Saint-Aubin, but restored to Britain in 1783.
France and Britain had long fought over the island. It had been controlled by the French from around 1650 until 1762, when it capitulated to the British. It was ceded to Britain in 1763 as part of the Treaty of Paris. In 1779, it was recaptured by the French, as depicted by Saint-Aubin, but restored to Britain in 1783.
Artwork Details
- Title: Macartney, governor of the Island of Grenada surrendering his sword to the comte d’Estaing
- Artist: Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (French, Paris 1724–1780 Paris)
- Date: 1779
- Medium: Pen and black ink, brush and gray wash over black chalk with stumping, touches of blue wash
- Dimensions: Sheet: 6 1/2 × 8 7/16 in. (16.5 × 21.5 cm)
Frame: 14 1/4 × 16 5/8 in. (36.2 × 42.2 cm) - Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of Stephen A. Geiger, in memory of his parents, Howard W. Geiger and Mildred K. Geiger, and in honor of his brother, Julian R. Geiger
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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