One of a series of five paintings depicting the events of the Battle of Trafalgar (RCINs 405392, 405396, 405400-2). In the centre of the picture is the French vessel, 'Achille', demasted and on fire; crew abandoning ship at the stern and a rowing boat full of survivors lower right. In the right corner the French ship 'Algesiras'; whilst in the middle ground to the left is HMS 'Tonnant'. An engagement between four vessels beyond.

The group was possibly painted c. 1905, around the time of the battle's centenary, and is unusual in de Martino's oeuvre, as these are the only historical scenes by him. De Martino's contemporaries, Thomas Jacques Somerscales and William Wyllie had both portrayed the event in the 1890s (Somerscales painting c. 1894, in the Government Art Collection). However, it was perhaps an appropriate reminder of one the greatest naval victories at a time when there was rising unease at the threat of war with Germany, and plans to build a Home Fleet.

In 1910 the paintings remained unsold and de Martino sent a round robin letter stating his wish that the Nation should have his 'life of Nelson paintings'. A response was sent on behalf of the King saying he would like to help, but couldn't quite see a way to realise this. On October 30th 1912, following de Martino's death, George V's Private Secretary, Lord Stamfordham reported that he had visited the artist's widow at her late husband's studio presumably to view the paintings. Isabel de Martino insisted that the paintings were only to be sold all together. On the 6 February 1913 she wrote to Lord Stamfordham…' I am pleased to accept your offer, about my husband's pictures. From the first, I told you how happy I was to feel that the King would have the Trafalgar pictures… I accept the offer of Twelve thousand guineas for the 7 pictures, the series of the 5 pictures of the battle of Trafalgar and, 1 of the Nile; 1 of the battle of St Vincent.'

George V's diary records that on Sunday 9 March, 1913: 'In the afternoon we went with David & Mary to Martino's studio and his widow and daughter showed us all his pictures.'