Artwork
Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Sir John Jervis raking the Spanish Vice-Admiral's ship
Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Sir John Jervis raking the Spanish Vice-Admiral's ship is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Dominic Serres. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting depicts a pivotal moment in the Battle of Cape St.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour painting depicts a pivotal moment in the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, a naval engagement fought during the Napoleonic Wars.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Sir John Jervis's ship maneuvering to attack the Spanish Vice-Admiral's vessel, capturing the intensity of the battle. The artist conveys a sense of drama and tension through the depiction of billowing sails, burning ships, and a chaotic sea.
Technique & Style
Rendered in watercolour, the painting features bold brushstrokes and vivid colours, with a strong emphasis on light and shadow to create depth. The work exemplifies the Romanticism movement, which prioritized emotion and imagination in artistic expression.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Dominic Serres (born Dominique Serres; c. 1722 – 4 November 1793) was a French-born British painter who specialised in marine art. He co-founded the Royal Academy (RA) in 1768, and served as the RA's librarian from 1792 until his death.
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