Artwork

Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Sir John Jervis raking the Spanish Vice-Admiral's ship

Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Sir John Jervis raking the Spanish Vice-Admiral's ship, by Serres, watercolor, 1797
Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Sir John Jervis raking the Spanish Vice-Admiral's ship, by Serres, watercolor, 1797

Battle of Cape St. Vincent, Sir John Jervis raking the Spanish Vice-Admiral's ship is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Serres. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting depicts a pivotal moment in the Battle of Cape St.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour painting depicts a pivotal moment in the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, a naval engagement fought during the Napoleonic Wars.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Sir John Jervis's ship maneuvering to attack the Spanish Vice-Admiral's vessel, capturing the intensity of the battle. The artist conveys a sense of drama and tension through the depiction of billowing sails, burning ships, and a chaotic sea.

Technique & Style

Rendered in watercolour, the painting features bold brushstrokes and vivid colours, with a strong emphasis on light and shadow to create depth. The work exemplifies the Romanticism movement, which prioritized emotion and imagination in artistic expression.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Serres

Artist

Serres

Serres is a city in Macedonia, Greece. It is the capital of the Serres regional unit and the second largest city in the region of Central Macedonia, after Thessaloniki.