Capture of the Tripoli by the Enterprise

Thomas Stewardson, 1806

MEDIUMOil on canvas
DIMENSIONS45.1 × 65.1 cm (17 3/4 × 25 5/8 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

Stop to witness a dramatic naval battle from the First Barbary War, capturing the American schooner Enterprise's decisive victory over the Tripolitan ship Tripoli with vivid detail and intense action.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This dramatic scene captures a pivotal moment from the First Barbary War, depicting the American schooner USS Enterprise forcing the surrender of the Tripolitan ship Tripoli. The chaos of battle unfolds under a cloud-strewn sky, with smoke billowing from cannon fire and figures scrambling on both decks. You can almost feel the tension as the two ships grapple, their rigging intertwined, with the American flag flying proudly from the Enterprise. The artist, Thomas Stewardson, renders the event with a vivid immediacy, focusing on the human drama and the raw power of naval warfare. This painting commemorates a significant early victory for the young American navy, showcasing its emerging strength on the international stage.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The American flag, a clear symbol of victory, flying from the Enterprise.

2

Smoke from the cannons, obscuring parts of the ships and adding to the chaos.

3

The crew members on both ships, engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to witness a dramatic naval battle from the First Barbary War, capturing the American schooner Enterprise's decisive victory over the Tripolitan ship Trip…

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THE ARTIST
Thomas Stewardson 1781–1859

Thomas Stewardson was a British portrait painter whose work inspired poems by Letitia Elizabeth Landon.

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