Artwork

The U.S. Frigate United States Capturing His Britannic Majesty's Frigate Macedonian

The U.S. Frigate United States Capturing His Britannic Majesty's Frigate Macedonian is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Samuel Seymour. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Samuel Seymour’s hand‑colored engraving, produced in 1815, portrays the naval clash between the American frigate United States and the British frigate Macedonian. Rendered on wove paper, the image captures the moment of capture, emphasizing the tumultuous sea and the stark contrast between the two vessels.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the United States, flying an American flag, with its sails fully unfurled, while the Macedonian appears crippled—its torn canvas and battered hull suggesting defeat. The turbulent waters and stormy sky heighten the sense of conflict and convey the drama of early‑19th‑century naval warfare.

Technique & Style

Executed as a hand‑colored engraving, Seymour combines fine line work with selective coloration to delineate rigging, wave motion, and atmospheric conditions. The dramatic lighting and emotive portrayal align the piece with Romantic sensibilities, which favored heightened feeling and dynamic natural settings.

History & Provenance

Created shortly after the 1812 War’s decisive sea battles, the print served both as a commemorative record and as popular visual news of the United States’ naval triumphs. It circulated among the public as a printed souvenir, reflecting contemporary interest in patriotic imagery.

Context

The engraving documents a specific encounter that occurred on 25 October 1812, when the United States captured the Macedonian off the coast of Portugal. The event was celebrated in American media as evidence of the young nation’s growing maritime power during the War of 1812.