Naval Battle Lithographs in Frame– Etna and Palermo Engagements of 1676, Schotel

Naval Battle Lithograph, Etna and Palermo Engagements of 1676, Schotel

This finely executed lithograph depicts the dramatic naval engagements near Etna and Palermo in 1676, a series of battles fought during the Franco-Dutch conflicts in the Mediterranean. The work is after Petrus Johannes Schotel (1808–1865), a Dutch marine painter renowned for his atmospheric depictions of maritime scenes and naval history. Schotel’s works were widely reproduced in the 19th century as lithographs, prized for their vivid sense of movement and masterful rendering of ships, sea, and smoke.

The scene captures the chaos of battle with smoke billowing from burning vessels, men rowing frantically in smaller boats, and towering ships-of-the-line dominating the harbor backdrop. The coastal landscape and looming clouds add further drama, evoking the intensity and scale of these historic encounters.

This print is presented in a wide cream-colored mat with delicate double-line ruling, highlighting the composition without distraction. The frame itself is a distinguished veneered burl wood, likely maple or elm, with rich reddish-brown tones and swirling grain patterns that provide a warm, elegant contrast to the maritime subject. The burl wood finish, with its natural decorative figuring, reflects the 19th-century taste for luxurious yet understated presentation.

Condition: The lithograph is in very good condition with strong colors and only minor signs of age. The mat and frame are likewise in excellent presentation quality, ready to display.

Framing tips: Already professionally framed with a burl wood veneer, this piece requires no further enhancement. It would display beautifully in a study, library, or interior with dark woods and maritime accents, where the warm grain of the frame will complement the dramatic seascape.

Technique: Lithograph

Maker: After Petrus Johannes Schotel, Dutch marine painter (1808–1865)