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A depiction of the Bombardment of Sveaborg, the culmination of the Anglo-French fleet's operations in the Baltic in the second season of the Russian (Crimean) War, 1854–1856. Sveaborg was a fortress guarding the route between St Petersburg and the Baltic Sea, and Helsinki to the east. On 6th August 1855, the Anglo-French fleet led by Admirals Richard S. Dundas in the 'Duke of Wellington' and Charles Penaud in the 'Tourville' arrived at Sveaborg and anchored at a distance from the fortress, where its outdated guns could not reach. On the morning of 9th August they began shelling the fortress. Considerable damage was inflicted on the dockyard and enemy ships and stores. Despite the severity of the bombardment, the action served little military purpose. Public opinion at home was satisfied but the effect on the course of the war against Russia was negligible.
The artist visited the Baltic for three months during 1855, making drawings of the campaign for 'The Illustrated London News' and for subsequent paintings such as this one. The flat compositional characteristic of the work and its clear linear quality reflect his graphic training.
Title
The Bombardment of Sveaborg, 9 August 1855
Date
1855
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 153 x W 306 cm
Accession number
BHC0636
Work type
Painting