A naval battle scene from the War of 1812, this work by Julian O. Davidson captures a dramatic turning point for the American Navy, the first significant defeat of a British Sailing Warship by a Naval Frigate. No less a vessel than U.S.S. CONSTITUTION is firing a broadside on approach at the distressed H.M.S. GUERRIERE, after her mizzen mast has toppled, limiting her maneuvering for position. The scene glows with action and the harsh reality of nautical combat.
Breaking the British dominance of naval warfare, the ship commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, met H.M.S. GUERRIERE under the command of Captain James Dacres on August 17, 1812 after the British officer issued a direct challenge. Dacres was so confident that he promised his crew 4 months pay for a 15-minute victory, but things didn't go as he planned. Approximately 45 minutes of sailing for dominant positioning with some long-range volleys, and the ships closed to rake each other with cannon broadsides. While the British mizzen mast was splintered, some shots actually bounced off the sides of the American oak ship, birthing her now famous ‘Old Ironsides' nickname.
This captured moment, of CONSTITUTION coming around with another broadside is the decisive moment of battle, her guns barraging the British who try to respond. On the next approach, GUERRIERE was surrendered. Davidson does a proper homage to the victory and devastation, with cannons flaring and the red glow reflecting in the smoke, men high in the rigging and low in the sea. The artistic effort by Davidson invokes the tragic wonder and awe that a marine artist seeks from his audience, even with the outcome apparent.
