French ship Artésien

The Artésien (“Artesian”) was a 64-gun ship of the line of the French Navy, lead ship of her class. She was funded by a don des vaisseaux donation from the Estates of Artois.

Artésien was built in 1765 as a part of a series of 12 ships of the line began by Choiseul to compensate for the losses endured by the French Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War. She was paid by the province of Artois and Flander, and named in its honour, according to the practice of the time.

The Artésien took part in the American revolutionary war under Suffren, departing in 1781. Off Cape Verde, Artésien detected an English squadron, resulting in the Battle of Porto Praya.

Artésien was decommissioned in 1785 and used as a shear hulk.

A fine 1/28th scale model was used to instruct Louis XVI in naval studies. The model is now on display at the Musée de la Marine.

Notes and references

 * Jean Boudriot, L'Artésien, vaisseau de 64 canons 1762-1785 Neptunia Vol. 36, Paris, 1981, p. 143
 * Jean Boudriot & Hubert Berti, Les vaisseaux de 50 & 64 canons 1650 - 1780, éditions Ancre
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