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This engraving from the official account of George Anson's circumnavigation, titled A View of the Straits Le Maire between Terra del Fuego and Staten Land, provides a dramatic depiction of one of the most treacherous maritime passages encountered by 18th-century navigators.
The Straits of Le Maire, separating Tierra del Fuego to the west and Staten Island (Isla de los Estados) to the east, were notorious for their hazardous waters, unpredictable winds, and sudden squalls. The scene captures a fleet of ships, their sails billowing under colorful flags, braving the strait against a backdrop of rugged landmasses and ominous, swirling clouds.
This view illustrated the account of the circumnavigation led by Commodore George Anson (1697–1762), commander of the British naval expedition of 1740–1744. Anson's squadron, sent to disrupt Spanish trade in the Pacific during the War of Jenkins' Ear, faced numerous challenges in rounding Cape Horn, including the perilous passage through the Straits of Le Maire. The unpredictable conditions of these waters caused significant delays and damage to his fleet, contributing to the severe hardships endured by the crew. Many succumbed to scurvy and other illnesses, emphasizing the harsh realities of naval exploration in this era.
