Who painted Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian"?

Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian" was painted by Thomas Birch.

Where can I see Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian"?

Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian" is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian"?

Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian" is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian"?

Museum-quality prints of Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian" by Thomas Birch

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Thomas Birch created this scene to document the surrender of the Macedonian, a significant event in early American naval history.

The painting depicts the naval engagement fought on October 25, 1812, near Madeira between the United States Navy heavy frigate USS United States and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Macedonian. The artwork specifically illustrates the moment of the American victory that resulted in the capture of the British vessel. As a historical record of the War of 1812, the work represents the triumph of the USS United States, commanded by Captain Stephen Decatur, over its British counterpart.

Thomas Birch created this scene to document the surrender of the Macedonian, a significant event in early American naval history. The composition serves as a visual chronicle of the battle's outcome, emphasizing the successful American naval action.

Technique & Style

Thomas Birch executed this work in 1813 using oil paint applied to a canvas support. The composition depicts the naval engagement between the USS United States and HMS Macedonian, capturing the specific moment of battle near Madeira. Multiple versions of the painting exist with varying dimensions; the iteration held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, measures 70.48 cm by 91.12 cm, while another version formerly displayed in the White House measures 62.9 cm by 81.9 cm. A third variant resides at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, measuring approximately 71 cm by 88 cm. The artist revisited this subject matter frequently, producing at least three distinct painted versions alongside engraved interpretations by contemporaries such as Benjamin Tanner and Samuel Seymour.

History & Provenance

The painting Engagement Between the "United States" and the "Macedonian" was created by Thomas Birch in 1813, depicting the October 25, 1812 naval engagement near Madeira between USS United States and HMS Macedonian.

The version now at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (70.48 × 91.12 cm) entered the museum’s collection in 1978. A second, smaller version (62.9 × 81.9 cm) was lent by J. Welles Henderson from his private collection for display in the White House Oval Office from 1961 to 1963 during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. Afterward, it was held by Philadelphia museums before selling at Sotheby’s in May 2008 for $481,000.

A third version (71 × 88 cm) is held by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, while another (64 × 76 cm) after Birch sold at Christie’s in 2017.

A version of this 1813 painting measuring 70.48 cm × 91.1 cm has been held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, since 1978. Another iteration, measuring 62.9 cm × 81.9 cm, was lent by J. Welles Henderson from his personal collection at the Philadelphia Maritime Museum to hang in the White House Oval Office from 1961 to 1963; this specific work was later sold at Sotheby's in May 2008. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania possesses a third version dated 1813 with dimensions of 71 cm × 88 cm. Additionally, a copy attributed to or following Birch is located at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York.

An engraving based on the composition by Benjamin Tanner was published on October 25, 1813, while Samuel Seymour produced another engraving in 1815. A version described as "After Thomas Birch" measuring 64 cm × 76 cm was auctioned at Christie's in January 2017.

Legacy

Thomas Birch produced at least three versions of this naval scene, establishing a recurring visual record of the 1812 engagement. One iteration gained significant historical prominence when displayed in the White House Oval Office from 1961 to 1963, selected personally by President John F. Kennedy to hang above the fireplace. This specific canvas, later sold at auction in 2008, helped cement the image's status as an iconic representation of early American naval victories.

The composition's reach extended beyond oil paintings through contemporary reproductive prints. Engravings by Benjamin Tanner and Samuel Seymour, published between 1813 and 1815, disseminated Birch's depiction widely. The work's enduring legacy is further evidenced by versions held in major institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site.

Overview

Thomas Birch’s oil on canvas, created in 1813, portrays the naval clash that occurred on 25 October 1812 near Madeira between the American heavy frigate USS United States and the British frigate HMS Macedonian. The American vessel emerged victorious, capturing the Macedonian. The painting measures roughly 63 cm by 82 cm and belongs to a series of at least three Birch renditions of the same encounter.

Context

The depicted engagement was part of the broader War of 1812, a conflict that saw several notable American naval victories, including the earlier capture of HMS Guerriere by USS Constitution. Birch’s series of naval battle paintings reflects contemporary American interest in celebrating these successes as symbols of national resolve.