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Commanding the Seas

The United States declared war with Great Britain on this day in 1812.

Today's artwork recreates the nationalism that coincided with a U.S. marine victory that took place off the coast of Africa on October 25, 1812. Stephen Decatur commanded the U.S. frigate The United States and defeated HMS Macedonian.

Two lumbering ships, with shot-punctured sails, battle on rough waves amidst heavy clouds of cannon smoke. The drama of the spirited skirmish is effectively conveyed through the use of bright, flat colors and repetitious patterns. Chambers, like many artists at the time, relied on a commemorative print of the historic confrontation that had occurred forty years earlier. The capture of the Macedonian, reputedly one of the best ships in British service, was the most impressive marine battle during the War of 1812.

Source: Gwen Everett. Young America: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum (exhibition text, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 1999).

Pictured: Thomas Chambers, 1808 England–1879 USA, Capture of H.B.M. Frigate Macedonian by U.S. Frigate United States, October 25, 1812, 1852, oil, 34 3/4 x 50 1/4 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Sheldon and Caroline Keck in honor of Elizabeth Broun.