Bowdoin College Museum of Art | - The Capture of a Spanish Convoy by Two English Frigates

Preview image of work. oil on canvas, The Capture of a Spanish Convoy by Two English Frigates 8577

1976.24

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The Capture of a Spanish Convoy by Two English Frigates

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Artist

Dominic Serres, the Elder (Auch, 1772 - 11/6/1793, London, England)

Title

The Capture of a Spanish Convoy by Two English Frigates

Creation Date

1722-1793

Century

18th century

Dimensions

41 1/2 in. x 71 1/4 in. (105.4 cm. x 181 cm.)

Object Type

painting

Creation Place

Europe, United Kingdom

Medium and Support

oil on canvas

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Halford, Jr., Class of 1938, and Family, in memory of John H. Halford, Class of 1907

Copyright

This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s Copyright Terms and Conditions.

Accession Number

1976.24

Throughout the eighteenth century, European powers such as England and Spain engaged in battles at sea as they sought to control territories and trade routes. British sea captains hung maritime battle paintings, like this one, in their homes to document victories and convey proud nationalist sentiments to family and guests. Paintings of this striking size were quite typical of Dominic Serres, the Royal Marine Painter to King George III. Serres was a French-born sailor who found success as an artist only after his capture by the British on a voyage to South America. Serres was highly regarded for his fine rendering of architectural detail and his accuracy in marine battle depictions.