Battle of Camperdown
About this artwork
Admiral Adam Duncan's victory over the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797 was crucial in Britain's struggle against Napolean. Horatio Nelson's subsequent string of victories, culminating in Trafalgar in 1805, soon overshadowed Duncan's achievement and this neglect was felt by his family. When the former sailor and friend of Duncan, the Duke of Clarence, ascended to the throne as King William IV in 1830, there was fresh impetus to commemorate Camperdown. This painting may have been commissioned at that time by the Admiral's eldest son, the newly created Earl of Camperdown.
Updated before 2020
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artist:George Chambers senior (1803 - 1840) English
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title:Battle of Camperdown
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date created:Mid 1830s
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:62.00 x 120.50 cm; Framed: 87.70 x 146.20 x 11.30 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Acquired from the Countess of Buckinghamshire's Trust 1995
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accession number:PG 2966
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gallery:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
George Chambers senior
George Chambers senior
A painter of shipping scenes, George Chambers began his career by making sketches whilst serving an apprenticeship onboard a trading ship. He took art classes in Whitby, the town of his birth and subsequently moved to London where he became famous for his paintings of naval battles.
