American School, 19th Century Commodore Preble’s Attack and Bombardment of the Harbor at Tripoli in 1804.

Description:

American School, 19th Century

Commodore Preble’s Attack and Bombardment of the Harbor at Tripoli in 1804. Unsigned, the scene identified in ink inscriptions affixed to top and bottom edges. Watercolor, gouache, and pen and ink on paper, showing the battle with several American ships and gunboats in the harbor at Tripoli with walled fortresses and buildings in the distance, 9 3/8 x 13 1/4 in., framed. Condition: Minor toning and foxing, newspaper articles affixed to the reverse.

Note: In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, corsairs, or pirates from the Barbary States, began to attack American shipping in the Mediterranean, seizing ships, holding the prisoners, and demanding tributes and ransom. In August 1804, Commodore Edward Preble commanded an attack of the heavily defended harbor of Tripoli. American ships bombarded the harbor and engaged Tripolian vessels five times during August and early September 1804.
Estimate $1,000-1,500

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