His Majesty's ship "Victory", Capt. E. Harvey, in the memorable battle of Trafalgar, between two French ships of the line

His Majesty's ship "Victory", Capt. E. Harvey, in the memorable battle of Trafalgar, between two French ships of the line

John Constable

1806

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

Constable painted a big watercolour of Nelson’s ship *Victory* in 1806. It shows the famous battle of Trafalgar when *Victory* fought two French ships. Watercolour wasn’t common for big war scenes back then. Constable made sure it stood out at the Royal Academy show. The year before, a new group had pushed watercolours into the spotlight. Nelson’s victory made the painting feel urgent and important. See how Constable handles water and light. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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