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Artist/Maker (1779 - 1851)

Capture of the H. B. M. Sloop-of-War Frolic by the U.S. Sloop-of-War Wasp

ca. 1815-1820
Oil on canvas
Overall: 28 x 36 1/8 x 7/8 in. ( 71.1 x 91.8 x 2.2 cm )
Gift of Henry O. Havemeyer, Esquire
1948.577
Birch's first view of this subject was probably commissioned by Nicholas Biddle of Philadelphia, whose brother James served as first lieutenant on the Wasp during the battle. According to a 1955 letter from Colonel Nicholas Biddle of Philadelphia to Henry O. Havemeyer, the Society's painting once belonged to Biddle's father, Edward. The senior Biddle had either sold the painting to Herbert Cragg (Pratt), from whom Mr. Havemeyer later purchased it.
DescriptionMarine view that depicts the boarding and capture of the British, Frolic, by the U.S. Wasp.
ClassificationsPAINTINGS