This exceptionally rare and beautiful lithograph is measures approx 6 3/4" by 10 1/2" (sheet size) including margins of from 1" to 2" on each edge. It is titled simply "Martin" and is signed by the artist - Antoine Maurin - and carries the mark of the publisher - Rosselin of Paris.

    The Image is a vignette, bust portrait of martin in the uniform of an Admiral in the French Navy.

    Pierre Martin was born to a Canadian family of Louisbourg. In 1759, his family fled to Rochefort as his hometown was taken by the British during the French and Indian War. Martin served as an apprentice on the fluyt “Saint Esprit”. He received instructions in hydrography and became an aspiring pilot in 1769. He sailed to the Indian Ocean. In 1775, serving aboard the frigate “Terpsichore”, he lost an eye in an accident.

    During the American Revolutionary War, Martin served on the “Magnifique” as a pilot, and took part in the Battle of Ushant, the Battle of Grenada, the Battle of Martinique, where he was wounded, and the Siege of Savannah. In 1781, he served aboard the “Cérès”, in Vaudreuil's squadron. In 1782, he became an officier bleu, being fast-tracked for a career as a reserve Navy officer. After the Treaty of Paris, Martin stayed with the royal navy and served on a variety of ships in the Caraibs. In 1785, he received command of the corvelle “Rossignol”, and of the “Cousine”, based in Senegal, between 1786 and 1791. In 1788, reforms of the Navy initiated by Marshal Castries allowed him to be promoted to sub-lieutenant

    In 1792, Martin was promoted to lieutenant and given command of the corvette “Espoir” off Senegal. The next year, he was promoted to captain and given command of the frigate “Hermione”, patrolling the French shores to fend off privateers. He stationed for three months at the entrance of the Loire river to support Republican troops against the Royalists during the War in the Vendée. In September, “Hermione” ran aground and was destroyed off Le Croisic, due to an error by a local pilot. Martin was court-martialed for the loss of his ship, and found innocent of any wrongdoing.

    In November 1793, Martin rose to contre-amiral. In early 1794, he was given chief command of the Toulon squadron, with his flag on the “Sans Culotte”. The squadron, initially 7-ship of the line-strong, with four frigates and one corvette, was soon joined by eight ships from Brest. Martin complained of the low quality of the crews, still ill-trained after the British occupation of Toulon. In 1795, his squadron captured the “Berwick”, and fought the Battle of Cape Noli against Hotham's fleet. In July, another clash between the two fleets resulted in the Naval Battle of Hyères Islands. With most of his forces blockaded in Toulon harbor, Martin launched numerous small squadrons for limited raids. Martin was promoted to vice-admiral in March 1796 and relieved by Brueys.

    This wonderful early 19th century portrait of Admiral Pierre Martin came to us as a part of a simply amazing archive of 17th 18th and a few 19th century maps, views and portraits related to the French and British colonies in North America. The Archive was put together in the mid 19th century by a Canadian collector and contains many items of great rarity and beauty. All of the items in this archive are exceptionally well preserved with most exhibiting no wear or damage of any kind. There are over 160 items in this archive and we have been offering these rarities over the past few months as part of our regular, weekly eBay auctions.

     This wonderful American Revolutionary War related Portrait is 100%, unconditionally guaranteed to be an original, ca1836 printing and not a restrike, reprint or reproduction. It is in excellent condition - clean and crisp and very attractive with no tears, edge chipping, physical damage or repairs of any kind. Overall this is an exceptionally well preserved and very attractive example of this important Revolutionary War Portrait.

     A very rare and original, ca1836, American Revolutionary War related lithographed portrait of French Naval Admiral Pierre Martin and a fantastic addition to any collection!!

     Be sure to check out this sellers other auctions for other portraits and Views from this amazing Archive which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!

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