As well as being a painter Stothard was a book illustrator and designer of sculptural reliefs, including two schemes within Buckingham Palace, around the walls of the Grand Staircase and the Throne Room, and a fine silver-gilt dish in the collection (51654). The Battle of Alexandria on 21 March 1801 was the decisive land encounter during the Egyptian campaign in the French Revolutionary Wars, following on from the naval Battle of the Nile of 1-3 August 1798. It was also the first victory for the British army and led to the French being driven out of Egypt. The commander of British forces during the battle, Sir Ralph Abercromby, was fatally wounded during the encounter by a ball which could not be extracted. He continued fighting until victory was secured but died some days later (28 March) aboard HMS Foudroyant. This painting was probably executed soon after the events it depicts and commissioned by one of the officers present in the scene, Sir James Kempt (1764-1854), who was also painted by McInnes (OM 935, 405145). It depicts the collapse (rather than death) of Abercrombie at the moment of victory. A print of this painting published by Francis Legat (1755-1809) on 1 January 1805, and accompanied by a key, identifying all the participants. Sir Ralph lies on the ground, centre, leaning against his son and a stooping Major; all wear scarlet military uniform; about gathers a crowd of officers, notably a Major in Highland uniform on the extreme right; a battle rages behind them.