Defending the Republic: The USS CONSTITUTION vs HMS JAVA, War of 1812

oil on canvas — 30”x 40”

$23,500

The USS Constitution was built in Boston, MA in 1797. She was one of the first of the original six frigates that made up the U.S. Navy. She carried 44 guns and a crew of more than 450. During the War of 1812, the Constitution won several important victories over the British, demonstrating that the new American Navy could stand up to the greatest sea power in the world. This painting depicts her second victory—over HMS Java, a frigate of 38 guns. The Constitution encountered the Java about 30 miles off the coast of Brazil on December 29, 1812. The Constitution’s captain, Commodore William Bainbridge, maneuvered for position and opened fire from about a half a mile away. The two ships traded broadsides, and the Java had the better of it at first, but after three and a half hours, the Constitution's overwhelming firepower and superior gunnery had reduced the Java to a hulk, her masts shot away and her captain mortally wounded. The Java was too badly damaged to be saved, so after taking the remaining British sailors as prisoners, and taking the ship’s wheel to replace his own shattered wheel, Commodore Bainbridge burned and sank the British ship. The Constitution returned to Boston, where there was great rejoicing over the victory. Bainbridge and the crew were awarded medals and prize money in recognition of their spectacular triumph over the Royal Navy.