1796 · London
by WILLYAMS, C. Rev
London: Willyams, 1796. Aquatint by Samuel Alken. The Reverend Cooper Willyams (1762-1816) was a topographer and artist, as well as minister and chaplain. The son of a British naval commander, he went to Cambridge, was ordained and contributed to "Topographical Miscellanies" before going to sea as Chaplain on the Boyne in 1793. England was at war with revolutionary France, and the Boyne participated in the West Indies' action of that war. In 1796, Willyams returned to London and published An Account of the Campaign in the West Indies..., which was illustrated with six drawings by Willyams, rendered in aquatint by Samuel Alken. This view on Guadeloupe was taken just outside Fort Matilda where Willyams served as chaplain. From his commanding position but minimizing the fortress as a geographical figure, Willyams gives a rich view of the lush hills and the rushing river below.
Abbey, 677; Hough,The Beinecke Lesser Antilles Collection at Hamilton College, 486. (Inventory #: 14800)
Abbey, 677; Hough,The Beinecke Lesser Antilles Collection at Hamilton College, 486. (Inventory #: 14800)