Engagement between the United States and the Macedonian

• "Engagement between the United States and the Macedonian"
• 1813
• Oil on Canvas
• Thomas Birch, American (Born in England)

MFA BostonEngagement between the United States and the Macedonian (Pat Flan Pic)

I have a copy of this piece in the entryway to my house and perhaps that's why I love it so much. This piece was painted by Thomas Birch in 1813 and depicts the naval engaguement between the U.S. Heavy Frigate the "United States" and the Royal Frigate the "Macedonian". This battle resulted in the capture of the Macedonian, and upon return the Macedonian was the first captured British vessel brought to an American port. 

Birch was clearly captured by the momentum of the victory as his first painting of the battle was created just a year after the battle had been won. Birch continued to paint the scene at least three times, another is shown below.

(This one's not my picture)

This piece was made at a time when war was widespread and the authority of Britan was being challenged on a number of fronts. On the American front this battle between the United States and the Macedonian proved Britan's navy was not untouchable. Birch clearly painted this image with the American ship triumphant, bellowing sails, flying flags high. The British ship however is clearly decrepid with its sails, masts, and flags drooping low and splintered. Birch managed to encapsulate the American spirit during the time through his painting.

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