John Paul Jones:
The Battle of Flamborough Head

24" x 36" — oil on canvas

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This painting depicts John Paul Jones’ most famous battle. It took place during the American Revolution, on the night of September 23, 1779, off the coast of England near a headland called Flamborough Head. A small American Continental Navy squadron led by John Paul Jones met two British escort vessels protecting a large merchant convoy. Jones’ Bonhomme Richard battled furiously with the British Serapis. Both ships were severely damaged, until finally the British surrendered. Jones transferred his command to the Serapis as the wounded Bonhomme Richard sank beneath the waves.  In the painting, the Serapis (at right) and the Bonhomme Richard (center) are each on fire as they bash each other with broadsides. Meanwhile, the American Alliance (at left), for reasons still unexplained, fires at both of them.