Attributed to Thomas Birch (British/American, 1779-1851)
The United States vs. Macedonian, 1813
oil on canvas
unsigned
24 1/2 x 32 inches.

Provenance:
Eldred's, East Dennis, Massachusetts, 1954.
Ex Collection Hugo Wunderlich.



This naval engagement took place near Madeira, Portugal on October 25, 1812, between the United States Navy frigate USS United States and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Macedonian. The battle resulted in the capture of the Macedonian, which became the first British warship to be brought to an American harbor as a prize.


Thomas Birch painted this subject at least other three times during his career. One version was sold at auction by Sotheby's in 2008 from the collection of J. Welles Henderson, following its display both at the Philadelphia Maritime Museum and in the Oval Office at the White House during the administration of President John F. Kennedy. A second version is held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and a third is in the permanent collection of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Framed: 30 x 37 1/2 inches.
In overall fine and stable condition, with fine networks of craquelure throughout. Several areas of impact cracked visible to sky at center, with faint vertical abrasions present at upper right corner (approximately 7 1/2 inches long). Canvas has been relined and is on new stretchers, with black tape sealing edges. Filled cracks visible to water under UV light examination, with few other areas of minor areas of inpainting along top edge, concealing old frame abrasions.