The artwork titled “Battle of the Kearsarge and the Alabama” was created by renowned artist Édouard Manet in 1864. This oil on canvas piece is an example of the Realism art movement and fits within the genre of battle painting. The artwork measures 145 by 130 cm and was executed in Paris, France. Currently, it is housed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Depicting a significant naval encounter during the American Civil War, the artwork captures the moment with dramatic intensity. The foreground shows a small sailing boat braving the choppy waters, likely a witness or rescue boat. In the background, amidst plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky, two warships are embroiled in battle. The depiction of the sea is particularly turbulent, reflecting the chaotic energy of the scene. Through the use of bold brushstrokes and a somber palette accented with the whites of the sails and the churn of the sea, Manet invokes the raw emotion and ferocity of maritime warfare. The painting does not just impart a visual account of the confrontation but also conveys the peril and fortitude of the human condition in times of conflict.
