Warships on a Calm Sea | John Ward | 19th Century 20th Century in Navarino Bay (modern Pylos)

in Navarino Bay (modern Pylos)

planned a bold night assault: they deployed fireships—vessels loaded with combustibles designed to drift into enemy ranks and ignite them—which

The frigate USS President tried to break out of New York Harbour but was intercepted by a British squadron of four warships and forced to surrender

Commanded by Captain James Talbot

which was engraved by Boydell in 1753

Warships on a Calm Sea | John Ward | 19th Century 20th Century in Navarino Bay (modern Pylos)Warships on a Calm Sea by John Ward of Hull (17981849) depicts a serene maritime vista in which a fleet of naval vessels lies at anchor upon still waters. The artists precise handling of light and atmosphere emphasizes the imposing scale and architectural grandeur of the ships of the line, their sails poised in quiet readiness. Smaller craft and a rowing boat introduce a human element, offering contrast to the stately calm of the larger warships.