Showing a rare event between two long standing allies, this painting depicts action between an American frigate and a French privateer during the two years undeclared war between France and America (1798-1800).

Highlighting Buttersworth’s tight detail and excellent coloration with a beautifully hued sky and intricately portrayed ships, this work is an excellent example of the artist’s skill. As smoke billows along the horizon from the cannons blast, Buttersworth’s fondness for interpreting historical events in a narrative style offers us an uncommon view of the longboat sent out to retrieve an overboard sailor while the battle rages.