A Turkish Galley in an Encounter with two British Warships

1650

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Dominant colour

A Turkish Galley in an Encounter with two British Warships is a 1650 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1650
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This black-and-white image shows a chaotic naval battle. Two large British warships with tall masts and billowing sails are firing cannons at a smaller, low-slung Turkish galley. Smoke and splashing water fill the scene, while figures on the galley appear to be scrambling or falling overboard. The British ships have flags flying, and their cannons are pointed toward the galley, which looks damaged and on fire. The water is rough, adding to the sense of chaos. If you like this dramatic scene, look up chiaroscuro next to see how artists use light and shadow.