Bombardment of Algiers by the United Anglo-Dutch Naval Squadron, 1816

Keultjes employs soft, blended brushwork to render smoke and mist, creating a sense of atmospheric drama. Detailed rendering of rigging, sails, and auxiliary boats contrasts with broader tonal shifts achieved through chiaroscuro, giving depth to the composition and highlighting the interplay of light and shadow across the fleet.

Executed shortly after the event, the painting entered the Dutch national collection in the 19th century and now resides in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting Dutch maritime history and the nation’s role in early‑19th‑century naval actions.

The 1816 bombardment marked a decisive moment in the suppression of Barbary piracy, prompting diplomatic pressure on the Regency of Algiers. Keultjes’ work belongs to a broader European tradition of naval history paintings that celebrated military victories while also serving as visual records of contemporary geopolitics.