How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
On the night of 11–12 December 1782, the British ship ‘Mediator’, commanded by Captain the Honourable James Luttrell, was waiting off Ferrol to intercept an American frigate lying there. He found a squadron of five of the enemy's vessels, store ships and privateers, heavily armed and with an aggregate of over 600 men heading for Port au Prince. These formed a line of battle and presented a formidable appearance as the ‘Mediator’ faced them. Undaunted, Luttrell bore down on them, and in a close action cut off one of the largest, the ‘Alexander’, compelling her to surrender. She was an American privateer, laden with stores. The ‘Mediator’ subsequently captured the French ‘Eugène’ and ‘Ménagère’. The following day a desperate but unsuccessful attempt was made by his prisoner to set fire to the ‘Mediator’. The prizes were brought safely to England.
Title
HMS 'Mediator' Engaging French and American Vessels, 11–12 December 1782
Date
1783
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 45.7 x W 73.6 cm
Accession number
BHC0455
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
-
Sea Piece: Ships under Sail Victoria and Albert Museum -
Shipping in a Stiff Breeze Sir Max Aitken Museum -
Shipping Warping into Harbour off Berry Head Sir Max Aitken Museum -
The 'Earl of Abergavenny' East Indiaman, off Southsea British Library -
The Engagement Sir Max Aitken Museum -
Armed Merchantmen into Dartmouth Sir Max Aitken Museum -
Departure of the Fleet Sir Max Aitken Museum - 141 more