Commanders engaged at sea [graphic]Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827, printmaker[1 July 1802]eng"Two officers of high rank sit together in a cabin, gambling intently at cup (actually spike) and ball. One (left) wears a star; the other, who is older and stouter, watches the dangling ball held by his companion. At their feet is a pile of coins on papers inscribed 'Twenty Pound'. Under the former's foot is a plan of 'Fotification [sic]', under the latter's a large wall-plan of the disposition of a fleet, on which land and 'Ocean' are marked. On the broad many-paned window behind them hangs ramed plan of celestial and terrestrial globes inscribed respectively 'Celiastial' and 'Teristial'. Behind (right), a burly sailor pours out tea for the two effeminate officers, with an expression of pained contempt."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched below image.Reissue of a print published in 1785 with the title: Sea amusement, or, Commanders-in-Chief of cup and ball on a cruise. Cf. Grego, J. Rowlandson the caricaturist, v. 1, pages 176-8.