The naval engagement of the February 14, 1797 Battle of Cape St. Vincent in Portugal was one of the opening battles of the Anglo-Spanish War (1796-1808) that was part of the French Revolutionary Wars. The British ship of the line, HMS 'Excellent,' is shown in the center with its stern toward the viewer. The Spanish ship 'San Isidro' (or 'San-Ysidro') with its broken masts is at the port side of the 'Excellent.' Three other ships flying the French and Spanish flag are in the left background with their decks engulfed in smoke. At the right side of the print the Spanish ship, 'Salvador del Mundo,' fires at the 'Excellent.' Her hull is visibly damaged by the gunfire. Behind her, several other vessels fly the French flag.
The Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1796 allied the Spanish and French against the British. Hence, in the print, the Spanish naval fleet fly French flags. The naval action resulted in British victory, and the capture of several Spanish ships. The print depicts the Spanish ships of the 1st Squadron/Battle Line, 4th division ships under Lieutenant-General Don Jos̩ de C�_rdoba y Ramos, 'San Nicolas de Bari,' 'San Isidro,' 'Salvador del Mundo,' 'San Ildefonso' and a ship of the 3rd Squadron/Rearguard, 6th division under Lieutenant-General Don Juan Joaqu�_n Moreno, the 'San Jose.' The names are printed below the image.
