Artwork
Admiral Bembo's Death in the West Indies
Admiral Bembo's Death in the West Indies is a print by J. Evans. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This late‑eighteenth‑century print, titled “Admiral Bembo’s Death in the West Indies,” was produced by the printer J.
About this work
The print is titled "Admiral Bembo's Death in the West Indies".
It was made by J. Evans in the late 18th century.
The print includes printed lyrics for a song, which is an interesting aspect of this work, as it suggests a connection to music and performance.
You can learn more about similar prints at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
The work exemplifies the practice of publishing ballad sheets that served both as visual art and as textual carriers of popular narratives.
This late‑eighteenth‑century print, titled “Admiral Bembo’s Death in the West Indies,” was produced by the printer J. Evans. The sheet combines visual illustration with the full lyrics of a contemporary song, linking the image to a performative, musical context. The work exemplifies the practice of publishing ballad sheets that served both as visual art and as textual carriers of popular narratives.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the imagined demise of Admiral Bemby, a figure from a popular nautical ballad, set against a Caribbean backdrop. The accompanying lyrics narrate his fatal encounter, reflecting themes of adventure, colonial encounter, and the perils of maritime warfare that resonated with eighteenth‑century audiences.
Technique & Style
Executed in a single‑color woodcut or copperplate process, the image relies on line work and hatching to convey depth and movement. The integration of text and image follows the conventions of broadside ballads, where the printed verses are arranged around the central illustration, creating a balanced composition that guides the viewer’s eye.
History & Provenance
Printed by J. Evans, a known London publisher of popular prints, the sheet likely circulated among the urban public as a cheap, mass‑produced item. Surviving copies are held in collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, indicating its preservation as a representative example of late‑georgian popular print culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
These late-18th-century prints capture everyday British life with crisp lines and sharp satire.
