USS Constitution vs. HMS Java (below) depicts the two warships during the height of their two-hour battle off the coast of Brazil in 1812. Both sides suffered heavy damage and casualties, but in the end the larger Constitution was victorious over the smaller frigate, and the inoperable HMS Java was scuttled the next day. This loss changed how the Royal Navy would engage larger American ships in the remainder of the conflict.
I invite the spectator to become an eyewitness of the war scenes that I depict in sparkling color and orchestrate in a very realistic and accurate composition. —Maarten Platje In addition to the US Navy-themed exhibition, there are other non-American naval scenes displayed. One of the featured paintings celebrates Platje’s native country and an artist considered to be the father of marine art. His large-scale work, the 39”x 78” oil painting The Council of War on Board De Zeven Provincien, 10 June 1666, is based on a pen-and-ink sketch by Willem van de Velde the Elder, who was an eyewitness to the battle. Both artists depict the flagship of Dutch admiral Michiel De Ruyter, who had called together his captains for a council of war on the eve of the Four Days Sea Battle against the British fleet on 10 June 1666. This sea battle was one of the longest naval engagements in history, involving about 200 ships in total. Although the battle did not have a clear victor, the Dutch inflicted significant damage on the English fleet, so it is regarded as a tactical and strategic victory for the Dutch. Platje’s technical mastery and understanding of period ships’ standing and running riggings, acres of sails, and naval architecture are on full display in this re-envisioned event. Platje’s composition is similar to Van der Velde’s drawing, but unlike the original drawing, he paints from an elevated view with realistic sea and sky.
USS Constitution vs. HMS Java (2018) by Maarten Platje, oil on linen 34
SEA HISTORY 167, SUMMER 2019