Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Conflict with Siam, a French Naval Action Scene, Épinal Colonial Print, 1893

$826.49
£618.22
€690
CA$1,138.86
A$1,251.88
CHF 657.23
MX$14,885.80
NOK 8,440.37
SEK 7,688.26
DKK 5,258.52

About the Item

Conflict with Siam 1893 French Naval Action Épinal Colonial Print This large and richly detailed French color lithograph illustrates the conflict between France and Siam during the Paknam Incident of 1893, a decisive episode in the expansion of French influence in Southeast Asia. Issued by Pellerin Cie of Épinal, the print documents the naval confrontation on the Chao Phraya River that led to the establishment of French dominance over Laos and marked a turning point in Franco-Siamese relations. The composition is divided into multiple narrative scenes. On the left, French sailors aboard the aviso Inconstant are shown operating Hotchkiss revolving cannons as the vessel forces its passage past the fortified river defenses of Paknam. The river setting, warships, and Asian architecture clearly situate the action near Bangkok, emphasizing the strategic importance of naval power in colonial conflicts. On the right, the interior of the gunboat La Comète is depicted in meticulous detail, showing sailors maneuvering a heavy artillery piece below deck, highlighting modern naval technology and disciplined coordination. At the center, three portrait medallions identify key figures in the conflict: Inspector Grosgurin of the Annamite militia, whose death intensified hostilities; Counter-Admiral Humann, commander of the French naval division in the Far East; and Auguste Pavie, French consul-general in Bangkok and a central diplomatic architect of French expansion in Indochina. These portraits anchor the scenes in contemporary personalities and underscore the combination of military force and diplomacy that defined the conflict. Below the imagery, the extensive original French text provides a detailed account of the political background, naval engagement, and consequences of the confrontation. It explains the French ultimatum to Siam, the exchange of fire at Paknam, and the resulting blockade of Bangkok, offering insight into how the episode was presented to the French public at the time. As with the strongest Épinal sheets, image and text function together as both illustration and historical narrative. Épinal prints addressing French colonial expansion in Southeast Asia are increasingly sought after, and this example is particularly notable for its complex, multi-scene composition and its focus on modern naval warfare. It appeals to collectors of colonial history, naval history, Indochina and Thailand, and late-19th-century political imagery, as well as to interior designers looking for a large, visually engaging historical statement piece. Condition Good overall condition. Light age toning to the paper and minor handling wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains strong and well preserved. Margins intact, with text and imagery fully legible. No major tears, losses, or restorations observed. Framing tips This print benefits from a wide mat to visually separate the multiple scenes and portrait medallions. A dark wood or black frame with an off-white or light grey mat works particularly well. Museum or UV-filtering glass is recommended to preserve the original colors. The generous scale makes it suitable as a focal piece in both classic and contemporary interiors. Technique: Color lithograph (Imagerie d’Épinal) Maker: Pellerin Cie, Épinal, France, 1893
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.62 in (29.5 cm)Width: 15.56 in (39.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1893
  • Condition:
    Good overall condition. Light age toning to the paper and minor handling wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains strong and well preserved. Margins intact, with text and imagery fully legible. No major tears, losses, or restorations.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14176-61stDibs: LU3054347984172

More From This Seller

View All
Prise de Sontay, an Épinal Print of a French Tonkin War Battle, 1883
Located in Langweer, NL
Prise de Sontay, an Épinal Print of a French Tonkin War Battle, 1883 This vivid and dramatic French popular print depicts the capture of Sontay (Sơn Tây) during the Tonkin Campaign,...
Category

Antique 1880s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Tonkin War Battle Scene, Défense de Tuyen-Quan, Épinal Print, 1885
Located in Langweer, NL
Défense de Tuyen-Quan Tonkin 1885 French Colonial Battle Épinal Print This vivid French color lithograph depicts the heroic defense of Tuyen-Quan during the Tonkin Campaign, fought ...
Category

Antique 1880s French Prints

Materials

Paper

A Boxer Rebellion Scene, Siege of the European Legations, Épinal, 1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Siege of the European Legations Peking 1900 Boxer Rebellion Épinal Print Description This striking French color lithograph depicts the Siege of the European Legations in Peking (Bei...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Naval lithograph of Russian fleet arriving in Toulon, France, in 1893
Located in Langweer, NL
Naval lithograph of Russian fleet arriving in Toulon, France, in 1893 This striking and historically rich lithograph titled Entrée de la Flotte Russe dans la Rade de Toulon captures...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Litograph of a Combat Between French and British Ships, 1844
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'La Fregate la Courageuse et la Canonnière la Terréur'. This print illustrates the combat between French ships and the British ships...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Egypt Crisis Battle Scene, Bombardment of Alexandria, Épinal, 1882
Located in Langweer, NL
Egypt Crisis Battle Scene, Bombardment of Alexandria, Épinal, 1882 This dramatic French color lithograph depicts the Bombardment of Alexandria and the ensuing massacre of Europeans ...
Category

Antique 1880s French Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Fillol, Naval Combat, 1900 Universal Exhibition, Paris, Warships, Vintage Poster
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Poster produced for the Universal Exhibition of 1900 in Paris to promote an attraction on the sidelines of the Exhibition, namely a naval battle. ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Posters

Materials

Paper

Circa 1900 original poster "Union du Tonkin à la France" designed by E. Conrad
Located in PARIS, FR
This original poster, "Union du Tonkin à la France," designed by E. Conrad, is a striking example of colonial-era propaganda art, commemorating France's expansion into Southeast Asia...
Category

Early 1900s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Combat Naval - Etching by Charles Longueville - 1870s
Located in Roma, IT
Combat Naval is a black and white etching realized by Charles Longueville (1829-1899) in 1870s. Titled in the lower. Image size: 30cmx22cm. Very Good condition. Signed on the low...
Category

1870s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

The French Attack - Lithograph by Auguste Raffet - Mid 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
The French attack is an artwork realized by Auguste Raffet (1804-1860) in the 1860s. Belongs to the series "Souvenir d'Italie - Expédition de Rome". Lithograph, signed and dated by...
Category

Mid-19th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Original Antique War Poster Admiral Cervera Navy Squadron Santiago De Cuba 1898
Located in London, GB
Original antique poster - La Malograda Escuadra del almirante Cervera navegando para Santiago de Cuba ano 1898 / The ill-fated squadron of Admiral Cervera sailing to Santiago de Cuba 1898 - depicting the fleet of naval cruisers and battleships under the command of Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete (1839-1909), flying the Spanish flags...
Category

Antique 1890s Spanish Posters

Materials

Paper

The French Attack - Etching by Auguste Raffet - Late 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
The French attack is a Lithograph realized by Auguste Raffet in the 1860s. Belongs to the series "Souvenir d'Italie - Expédition de Rome". Signed on the plate. Good condition
Category

1840s Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching