Featured in this lot is this Felix Octavius Carr Darley (1822-1888) original watercolor titled, "The Battle" circa mid 1800s. Felix Octavius Carr Darley (1822–1888) is regarded as a pioneer of illustration in the United States. His art, which combined an American worldview with his unique style, inspired succeeding generations of illustrators. Darley was born in Philadelphia on June 23, 1822, to English parents. His mother was a well-known actress, and his father, who had previously been an actor, was a lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Darley was interested in acting, but he was also attracted to painting from a young age. Without any professional instruction, he continually practiced drawing on paper and found inspiration in photos and his surroundings. Darley's parents appreciated his early talent but urged him to pursue a career in commerce. Darley began working as a clerk apprentice for the Philadelphia Dispatch Transportation Line when he was fourteen years old. He worked there until he was twenty years old, during which time he sketched scenes of a dock near his work. Thomas Dunn English, a Philadelphia critic, became interested in his caricature drawing of a drunken at the time. Darley left the apprenticeship because he was aware of the publishing industry's rising work chances for artists. He carried his portfolio to Philadelphia publishing houses in the goal of acquiring assignments. Darley met Edgar Allen Poe during his first year as an illustrator, and when working on his Saturday Museum in Philadelphia, he purchased some of Darley's city scene sketches. Darley's self-taught drawing talents improved in his mid-20s. He could portray multiple characters in a fluid and dramatic composition. Darley often drew a scenario in a basic manner, drawing attention to a section of the text or a certain theme. He could also depict figures in realistic poses, gestures, and motions. Darley departed New York City in 1859, at the age of thirty-seven, for the tranquil village of Claymont, Delaware. As the most widely distributed illustrator in the United States, he was also the first to relocate away from the publishing hub. Darley held the top position in the publishing industry for forty-eight years. Throughout his career, the market for pictures grew, as publishers featured various competent painters' illustrations in books and journals. Darley's impact in the publishing industry contributed to the increased need for talented illustrators in the coming years. The watercolor depicts the French Revolution as men dig with shovels, fire cannons, swing pick axes and storm the battlefield. Darley's attention to detail and superb skill gives the scene a chaotic and dark feel. The piece has been set in a silver colored frame with floral motifs adorning the edge of the frame and matted twice with maroon and white matting paper. The artwork and frame show good condition overall with little to no wear present and no signs of major damage. The visible art measures 7 3/8" L x 11 1/8" W, while the entire piece measures 17 3/8" L x 20 11/16" W x 1 1/4" D. It weighs 4 pounds and 6 ounces.