Ocean battle scene – the hulls of 7 ships visible. Center ship flying American flag. Details of the battle are described in the narrative which follows title Lower left corner on reverse: penciled “arrais” (illegible)

Currier & Ives published about twenty lithographs that documented the War of 1812, including this print illustrating the British fleet surrendering “to the American flag.” Although citizens of the new nation largely contested the war, American victories were captured in print and went far in supporting the ideology of the United States. For example, the caption on this print recalls Oliver Perry’s legendary statement, “We have met the enemy and they are ours,” which is as applicable today as it was in the 19th century.

Object Creator

Currier, Nathaniel (American, 1813-1888)

Object Creation Date

undated

Medium

Hand-colored lithograph

Dimensions

14 x 10 inches

Credit

Gift of Lenore B. and Sidney A. Alpert supplemented with Museum Acquistions Funds

Accession Number

2004.D03.208

On View?

No

Image Request

Request Image for Reproduction