Fight against Seven Algerines

1720s

Elisha Kirkall after Willem van de Velde the Elder

Associated Names
Elisha Kirkall

Artist, English, c. 1682 - 1742

Willem van de Velde the Elder

Artist After, Dutch, 1611 - 1693

The image shows a maritime battle scene with ships on fire and engaged in conflict. The point of view is from the water level. Small boats filled with figures row away from larger ships. The style is that of a classical painting with billowing smoke and churning water created using soft, flowing brushstrokes. The color palette consists of muted sea greens and grays, creating an overcast atmosphere. A large ship with sails unfurled is on the right, with smoke trailing from various spots. Close to us, a smaller boat is filled with individuals involved in the fight. The background includes large clouds adding to the scene's drama.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    mezzotint and etching printed in green and black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 44 x 31.1 cm (17 5/16 x 12 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 49.8 x 37.2 cm (19 5/8 x 14 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.118.17.6

Associated Artworks

See all 17 artworks
This is an artwork featuring Neptune in a sea scene. The top half shows Neptune riding a shell chariot pulled by two horses, holding a trident. Various mythological sea creatures and tritons blowing conch shells surround him. A large sailing ship is to the left, with a coastal cityscape in the background. The lower section displays a decorative letter or document with ornamental scrollwork, maritime symbols, and flowing script, indicating it is a receipt or contractual agreement illustrating a historical transaction.

Subscription Receipt (Neptune and Juno)

Elisha Kirkall

1720

Shipping Scenes

Elisha Kirkall

1729

The image shows a maritime scene with sailing ships on the water. The horizon is low, and various vessels are present, suggesting a naval standoff. A ship with billowing sails is prominent in the foreground, with other ships in the distance partially obscured by smoke. The water is depicted with swirling brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement. The color palette is mainly blues and greens, with an overcast sky and soft clouds merging with the sea.

Shipping Scene with Man-of-War

Elisha Kirkall

1682

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth (Lugt 719); (sale, Christie's London, 1984, no. 165); Christopher Lennox-Boyd; (Nicholas Stogdon, Oxford); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: W. Vanderveld jnr. Pinxt; lower center in plate: E. Collectione praenobilis viri Thomae Cook, Vice-Camerarij; lower right in plate: E Kirkall Fecit

Wikidata ID

Q76338714

You may be interested in

Loading Results