The painting depicts the Third Battle of the Ushant, which is known in British history as the 'Glorious First of June' battle. This battle was the first large scale naval battle of the French Revolutionary War and was fought about 400 miles off the coast of Brittany. I find Pocock's paintings of this period intriguing as neither the French or the British could claim complete victory but paintings of the battle were key to public morale back home. The battle ended up lasting five days and the French ship the 'Vengeur du Peuple' was sunk, as well as 6 French ships being captured by the British fleet which was led by Admiral Lord Howe.
Pocock purportedly witnessed the battle and even though there is large amounts of smoke from cannon fire the details of the boats involved is still visible. The British ship in the centre is standing firm against the onslaught of two French ships. It is a perfect example of art displaying what the British government and monarchy wanted to the public to see. The painting is also very large for one that only depicts a couple of ships. If you compare Pocock to the Serres this is even more obvious, with Serres including many ships in his battle canvases. However, as future posts will show I think British artists followed further in Pocock's style and this can be seen in works by JMW Turner and Clarkson Stanfield later in the next century.
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| Figure 1. Nicholas Pocock, His Majesty's Ship the 'Brunswick' engaging the 'Vengeur' on the First of June, 1794 (1796), Oil-on-canvas, 139.7 x 190, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. |
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| Figure 1, detail |
This is a fascinating story to read! It is remarkable to see the image and the mass confusion the smoke portrays. The close-up image you put up is incredible as well and the embers of the cannon being fired glow red amidst the whiter smoke.
ReplyDeleteI found it incredible how you mentioned about the morale of the British people and how the painting is really what people wanted to see! It's amazing to consider paintings this way, such as why they were really painted. And I suppose that these famous artists would have their own 'eye' to see things as they saw fit! I am interested in your future posts regarding Turner and Stanfield and how they followed Pocock in his style and finesse, it is amazing to be learning so much about such an important part in the not only the art sense, but in the very heart of the Empire.
Thanks for your comment! Yes I think it is incredible how art played such a role in depicting the British Empire during this period. It is even more important considering that it was the sea and Britain's control of it that led to the nation's dominance.
ReplyDeleteI managed to go to the Turner and the Sea exhibition again last week and went through it even more carefully this time. I especially looked at the naval war section and will do another post soon on it, so keep checking the blog!
I look forward very much to it! How long is the exhibition on for? I hope for the chance to visit it!
ReplyDeleteIt's on until 21st April so make sure you have some free time in that period to go. I am not sure when a similar exhibition in the UK will happen so make the most of this opportunity!
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