A series of works illustrating the Anglo-American War of 1812-14 by the South Aftican Artist Peter Bilas
The War of 1812 saw several notable frigate actions between the Royal Navy and the infant United States Navy with both sides claiming their share of victories. Two of the most significant encounters during the first year of the War involved the U.S. frigate Constitution and in both cases, she not only captured her adversary but so pounded it into submission that neither was worth taking as a prize. On 19 August 1812 she engaged H.M.S. Guerriere off Halifax, Nova Scotia, whilst on 19 Secember she took H.M.S. Java off the coast of Brazil in an action only slightly less celebrated. The frigate United States also distinguished herself by capturing H.M.S. Macedonian on 25 October the same year and British naval pride was only salvaged the following year when, on 1 June 1813, H.M.S. Shannon took the new republic's frigate Chesapeake in a duel which has now passed into legend.
Peter Bilas (b.1952)
Details
Peter Bilas (b.1952)
The action between the Constitution and H.M.S. Guerriere, 19 August 1812
signed 'Peter Bilas'
oil on canvas
24 x 36in. (61 x 91.4cm.)
The action between the Constitution and H.M.S. Guerriere, 19 August 1812
signed 'Peter Bilas'
oil on canvas
24 x 36in. (61 x 91.4cm.)