Circa 1860

Watercolour on paper

28.6 by 20.6 cm.

Known as the third battle of the Taku Forts in the second Opium War, in 1860 a joint force of British and French troops made another attempt to take the Chinese position only a year after suffering defeat. This earlier attempt was followed by a year of reconnaissance which allowed the European forces to focus the attack on the weakest point in the Chinese fortifications and, bolstered by British troops fresh from suppressing the uprising in India, victory was swift.

This was one of the last major engagement in the Second Opium war for it gave the European forces clear river access to Peking. Before the end of the year success at the Battle of Palikao resulted in the European forces occupation of the capital.