Battle of Sinope, plan - Charles Meryon

A detailed, hand-coloured tactical map by Charles Meryon documenting the 1853 naval Battle of Sinope during the Crimean War.

This hand-coloured etching by Charles Meryon documents the naval engagement at Sinope, which occurred on 30 November 1853 during the early stages of the Crimean War. Meryon, who served as a naval officer before dedicating his life to printmaking, produced this tactical map based on a drawing by an officer from the British ship HMS Retribution. The print provides a clear, schematic overview of the positioning of the Russian fleet against the Ottoman forces within the bay of Sinope.

The composition is functional and precise, typical of military cartography of the mid-nineteenth century. Meryon employs a clean, calligraphic line to delineate the coastline, while the ships are represented by simple geometric shapes. The colour palette is restrained, using ochre and dark grey to distinguish between the opposing fleets. A detailed legend in the lower right corner provides specific information regarding the fate of individual vessels, noting which ships were sunk or destroyed during the conflict. The inclusion of a compass rose and a scale of one mile reinforces the document's purpose as an analytical record of the event.

While Meryon is better known for his atmospheric etchings of Parisian architecture, this work demonstrates his technical proficiency in drafting and his continued interest in maritime subjects. The print serves as a historical record of the destruction of the Ottoman squadron, an event that prompted the direct intervention of Britain and France in the war. The clarity of the layout and the meticulous hand-applied colour make this an excellent example of nineteenth-century military documentation, offering a glimpse into the strategic reporting of the era. It is a piece of interest for those who study naval history, cartography, or the diverse output of Meryon's career.