Iconographic Engravings – The Fine Arts (1851) maps with ship positioning around islands in the Antilles, particularly near Les Saintes, Dominica, and Guadeloupe

This print appears to be a detailed chart of naval battle formations and maneuvers, possibly illustrating tactical plans used in historical naval battles. The upper section shows various geometric patterns and formations, while the lower section includes maps with ship positioning around islands in the Antilles, particularly near Les Saintes, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. This is likely related to the Battle of the Saintes (1782), a significant naval engagement between the British and French fleets during the American Revolutionary War.

Identification and Context

Naval tactical charts like this were commonly found in military atlases or tactical manuals from the 18th and 19th centuries. They were used to educate naval officers on different formations, strategies, and maneuvers for battles at sea. The diagrams illustrate how ships should be positioned to optimize firing lines, defend against enemy formations, or blockade key territories.