Whitcombe is known for his vast creative oeuvre depicting the naval side of the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars. These works often have a very a pleasing dramatic atmosphere, such as this remarkable work of an early 19th century French and British naval engagement.
The artist is especially effective in his theatrical use of light upon the face of the sea for contrast, heightening the drama inherent in battles upon the face of the deep.
This painting is unusual in depicting ships engaged in battle while carrying full sail inventories including their studding sails. It was difficult for a crew to both man the guns and set the full complement of sails. Full sail would have been the case had the vessels been engaged in a chase, and this element may have been the artist's nod to the particulars of this Napoleonic War battle.
The stern cartouche of the French warship bears the beginning of the name "LE SER...." and the flags on both ships point to an engagement that took place sometime after 1801. With the partial name and these clues research points to a March 1808 battle between HMS AIGLE, a 5th rate of 36 guns under the command of Captain George Wolf and SIRENE, a 38 gun ship under Captain Guy-Victor Duperre.
AIGLE was a part of a five ship British squadron blockading the port of Lorient in Brittany. On March 22, 1808, the British sighted the two French frigates SIRENE and ITALIENNE returning to Lorient after having landed troops in Martinique.
AIGLE braved French shore batteries on the Basse des Bretons to head off the French frigates; coming close enough to the French ships to open fire. ITALIENNE abandoned its attempt to reach Lorient and bore up under French guns on the island of Groix, a few miles offshore. AIGLE chased SIRENE and forced her to run aground on the Pointe des Chats; on the south east corner of Groix. It's said that the French ships nearly made it into port but the wind died down as they grew closer to shore. Perhaps the full sails are Whitcomb's nod to this part of the story with each ship trying to get the most out of her sails in changing conditions.
Since SIRENE was protected by powerful shore batteries; the British squadron withdrew. After the action, AIGLE reported 22 killed or wounded including the severely wounded Captain Wolf. SIRENE was subsequently refloated and reached Lorient safely, though she was retired afterwards due to damage sustained in the battle.
Housed in a high quality period style frame.
