The fire on the Wharves of Algiers, shortly after the commencement of the Bombardment by the Anglo-Dutch Fleet, 27 August 1816

Baur employs strong chiaroscuro, contrasting deep, inky shadows with the orange‑red glow of fire to heighten drama. The brushwork suggests swift, turbulent movement in both smoke and water, while the limited palette of dark blues, blacks, and fiery hues reinforces the night‑time atmosphere.

Completed two years after the 1816 bombardment, the painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting Dutch maritime history and the nation’s naval engagements of the early nineteenth century.

The bombardment was a joint British‑Dutch operation that forced the Dey of Algiers to cease the enslavement of Europeans. Baur’s depiction aligns with contemporary European interest in documenting military successes abroad, serving both as a visual record and a subtle affirmation of Dutch naval involvement.