The Sortie Made by the Garrison of Gibraltar, November 27, 1781 (Painting)

Artwork available to Buy as a Digital Print

Artist John Trumbull's 1789 painting represents a historic battle that took place in Gibraltar on November 27, 1781.The Great Siege of Gibraltar was an unsuccessful attempt by Spain and France to capture Gibraltar from the British during the& War of American Independence.

According to Wikipedia: The painting depicts the events when British troops made a sudden attack (sortie) against the enemy batteries.The death of the Spanish officer Don Jose de Barboza is the focal point of the painting. He fell mortally wounded and died near his post refusing assistance after having been abandoned by his troops. He is portrayed as rejecting the aid of General George Eliott, commander of the British troops. In 1782, the siege was lifted.

This event had all the ingredients artist John Trumbull sought: "...the Heroism of the vanquished, the Humanity of the Victors - the darkness of night illuminating an extensive conflagration - the Hurry and Tumult of the troops busy in the work of destruction - the quiet & calm of the Officers, the guiding Spirits of the Scene."

He saw the subject of the Siege as one which he could demonstrate that he supported British heroism as well: "...and as I knew by painting them [his American history paintings], I had given offense to some extra-patriotic people in England, I now resolved to exert my utmost talent upon the Gibraltar, to show that noble and generous actions, by whomsoever performed, were the objects to whose celebration I meant to devote myself."

The painting is depicted on the back of the 2010 Gibraltar 10-pound note.

The people highlighted in this composition are the dying José de Barboza and to his right (from left to right): Ensign Mackenzie (in Highland dress), Governor Eliott, Lt G.F. Koehler, Lt.Col J. Hardy, Brig. Gen C. Ross, Capt A. Witham, Capt Roger Curtis, Lieutenant Thomas Trigge, Lt Colonel Hugo.

Artist: John Trumbull
Date: 1789
Location: Gibraltar
Original medium: Oil on canvas
Orientation: Horizontal/Landscape
Image restored & enhanced by Rebel Seed Studio