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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Engagement Between Constitution and Guerriere
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Engagement Between Constitution and Guerriere

Artifact IDMO 1941.3.185
Object Type Painting
Artist
Datemid 19th century
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsframe H 26 3/4 in x W 35 in x D 3 in (67.9 cm x 88.9 cm x 7.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA painting of the engagement between the frigates, USS CONSTITUTION and the HMS GUERRIERE, on August 19, 1812. It depicts the two ships on choppy open water against a heavily-clouded sky. On the right is the three-masted CONSTITUTION with sails unfurled and flying several American flags. A number of holes are visible in the sails, and the crew are seen on the deck. On the left of the painting is the severely damaged and dismasted GUERRIERE. The British flag is hanging at the end of one of the fallen masts and crew members surveying the damage are visible on the deck.

The painting is glazed and framed in a 3" 19th century burnished silver leaf cove frame with a bronze finish. The original framer's label for the D. B. Butler and Co. of New York, NY is attached to reverse. A pencil note written on the framer's label indicates that the painting was framed for Franklin Roosevelt, order #14410.
Historical NoteThis painting depicts the War of 1812 battle between the American ship, USS CONSTITUTION, and the British ship, HMS GUERRIERE, in which the CONSTITUTION gained its nickname, "Old Ironsides." After a ferocious exchange of cannon fire, the GUERRIERE had been dismasted and sat helplessly in the water while the CONSTITUTION was in position to deliver a final fatal broadside. The story goes that the cannon balls of the GUERRIERE bounced off the hard oak sides of the Constitution, and one of the crew called out, “Her sides are made of IRON!”

FDR had a deep interest in the USS CONSTITUTION, the most famous ship of the early American navy. He collected manuscripts, a ship log, prints, paintings, and manuscripts connected to its rich history.
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesUnited States Navy Materials (National Archives Identifier 782673)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view