USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere

24" x 36" — oil on canvas

The USS Constitution was built in Boston, MA in 1797. She carried 54 guns and a crew of more than 450. During the War of 1812, the Constitution won several important victories over the British, demonstrating that the new American Navy could stand up to the greatest sea power in the world.

This painting depicts her second victory — over the frigate HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia. Captain Isaac Hull was in command of the Constitution. The British ship fired the first shot of the battle, but Hull took advantage of his heavier broadsides and his ship's superior sailing ability. The British, to their astonishment, saw that their shot seemed to rebound harmlessly off Constitution's hull — giving her the nickname "Old Ironsides." The two ships traded broadsides until Guerriere was a dismasted hulk. She was so badly damaged that she was not worth towing to port, so Hull sank her. 

The Constitution returned to Boston, where there was great rejoicing over the victory. Hull and the crew were awarded medals and prize money in recognition of their spectacular triumph over the Royal Navy.