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Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay, 14 August 1779, 1780s (oil on canvas)
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Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay, 14 August 1779, 1780s (oil on canvas)
7337659 Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay, 14 August 1779, 1780s (oil on canvas) by Serres, Dominic (1722-93); 101.6x152.4 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Dominic Serres, the Elder
During the American War of Independence, 1775-1783, the British decided to establish a post on the east side of the entrance to the Penobscot River in Maine. On 16 June 1779 a detachment of 650 troops commanded by Colonels McLean and Campbell arrived by sea from Halifax and began clearing the ground to build a fort on a promontory by the mouth of the river. Before the fortifications had been completed the rebel Commodore Dudley Saltonstall laid siege to the British on July 25 with a fleet consisting of a frigate, 16 sloops and 24 transports. A British relief force consisting of a ship of the line, two frigates and three sloops, commanded by Sir George Collier left New York on August 3 and arrived in Penobscot Bay on the evening of the 13 August. He found Saltonstall's men-of-war anchored in a crescent across the mouth of the river, the transports behind them. The next morning the British squadron approached them and the whole fleet retired up the river where they were pursued by Collier's ships, aided by the three sloops which had convoyed the troops from Halifax. Saltonstall's entire fleet was burned and two associated ships, the 'Defence' and 'Hunter' were also dealt with. The 'Defence' was blown up by her crew and the 'Hunter' was captured.
The painting shows the bay viewed from the south. In the left background is the 'Raisonable' with a white ensign and broad pendant and firing into the 'Hunter'. Fires from the British fortifications can be seen in the distance beyond her. To the right are the rest of the ships of the squadron chasing the enemy, many of whose ships are already shown ablaze in the right background. The painting was engraved by Baily and published by Joyce Gold for the Naval Chronicle in 1814.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38175882
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The painting "Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay, 14 August 1779" by Dominic Serres captures a pivotal moment during the American War of Independence. In this dramatic scene, we see the British forces under Sir George Collier launching a successful attack on the rebel Commodore Dudley Saltonstall's fleet anchored in Penobscot Bay.
As tensions escalated, Saltonstall's fleet consisting of a frigate, sloops, and transports found themselves besieged by Collier's superior forces. The British squadron approached with precision, causing chaos and destruction as they pursued their enemies up the river.
The painting vividly depicts the intense naval battle with ships ablaze and smoke filling the sky. The 'Raisonable' can be seen in action firing into the 'Hunter', while fires from British fortifications rage in the background.
This historical artwork not only showcases Serres' skill as an artist but also serves as a reminder of the fierce struggles that took place during this turbulent period in history. It immortalizes a significant victory for the British forces and highlights their strategic prowess in overcoming adversity on foreign shores.
Overall, "Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay" is a powerful portrayal of war at sea, capturing both the intensity and devastation of battle with remarkable detail and emotion.
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