Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1876)

Stuart , William (Born: 1848)

Defeat of the Spanish Armada

Oil on Canvas: 30" x 48"
Catalog# STUW-001

In full brigade, ships in the English Channel near Gravelines, France (then part of the Netherlands) ride the rough seas in the Battle of Gravelines on August 8, 1588. Elaborate warships to cannoned rowboats heavily fill the composition. Although the composition appears crowded and chaotic, these formations of warships and armed merchant vessels is historically accurate, showing the tactical and efficient strategy which depreciated the Spanish Armada. Dozens of ships from various nations allied with the English charge toward the viewer and Spain’s devastated fleet in the foreground. Masts with full sails catch the strong wind as their colors ripple, offering great drama and movement to this colossal historical event. The warships appear dramatically buoyant and forceful. The carnage of the armada offers a rivaled juxtaposition to the overpowering fleet of the allied forces.

Known to have been the greatest naval fleet in the world, the Spanish Armada battled against revealed plans, forces of nature, inadequate weaponry, narrow channels and a Queen of fury and passion. Against all odds, the Armada was defeated.