The Battle of the Nile, 1 August 1798, 1801 (oil painting)

Creator: Thomas Luny An important naval engagement during the French Revolutionary War, 1793-1802. On 19 May 1798, Napoleon sailed from Toulon on his hazardous adventure to Egypt, capturing Malta en route. On realizing this, Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson initially looked for the French at Alexandria, but when he did not find them he sailed back to Syracuse in Sicily to reposition before returning to Alexandria. There, on 1 August, he received a signal that the French fleet had been sighted anchored in Aboukir Bay, 15 miles east of Alexandria. Thence Nelson headed, appearing off Aboukir Island at 17.30. Despite the failing daylight, his ships immediately attacked the head of the unprepared French fleet at anchor, commanded by Admiral Brueys.