- Artist
- Thomas Whitcombe 1763–1824
- Medium
- Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions
- Support: 1219 × 1829 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Bequeathed by Mrs Fisher 1898
- Reference
- N01659
Display caption
This painting shows the naval battle that took place on 11 October 1797 near Camperduin, off the coast of North-Holland in the Netherlands. Whitcombe depicts the dramatic moments shortly after the British ship Venerable fired at its Dutch opponent Vrijheid. Just behind Venerable, to the right, is the Dutch ship Alkmaar in flames. The battle resulted in a resounding victory for the British fleet midway through the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802). Thomas Whitcombe specialised in maritime pictures, including of naval battles. Images like this, celebrating Britain’s naval power and victories, helped create a sense of national identity.
Gallery label, October 2023
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