The Battle of Trafalgar (painting)

The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805. Oil on canvas (1822–1824), 2615 x 3685 mm. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805 is an 1822 painting by British artist J. M. W. Turner. It was commissioned by King George IV as a part of a series of works to decorate three state reception rooms in St James's Palace and link the Hanoverian dynasty with military success.[1] This work was Turner's only royal commission, and was to stand as the pendant piece to Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg's Lord Howe's action, or the Glorious First of June.[1] This massive history painting measures 2,615 millimetres (8 ft 6+15⁄16 in) x 3,685 millimetres (12 ft 1+1⁄16 in) and is his largest work.[1] It was given to Greenwich Hospital shortly after its original installation. The painting now hangs in the National Maritime Museum, also in Greenwich, London.

  1. ^ a b c Warrell, Ian; Kelly, Franklin (2007). Turner, Joseph Mallord William (ed.). J.M.W. Turner. London: Tate Publishing Ltd. p. 96. ISBN 9781854376909.