The Tapestry Hangings of the House of Lords: representing the several engagements between the English and Spanish Fleets in the ever memorable year MDLXXXIII, 1739 1739

John Pine made this print in 1739, representing the tapestry hangings in the House of Lords depicting naval battles between England and Spain in 1588. But why, over 150 years later, did Pine choose to commemorate them in print? The Tapestries celebrated the victory of the English fleet over the Spanish Armada during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a foundational moment for the English empire. Publishing this print in 1739, Pine offered his contemporaries in England a timely reminder of their nation’s strength at sea as they were once again at war with Spain, in the conflict known as the War of Jenkins’ Ear. The print thus served a patriotic function, inspiring confidence in a new generation as England’s empire continued to expand. Understanding this work means attending to its historical moment, researching the war that inspired it and the history of the institution of the English monarchy that it praises.