USS Constitution in action with HMS Guerriere,, 19th August 1812 - Commissioned oil on canvas by Geoff Hunt RSMA.

This is a very famous and often-painted engagement, representing the first major victory of the United States Navy and, from the British point of view, the shocking loss of a major warship. Although a well-known action, three important factors of the physical setting do not often seem to be clearly depicted. These are, first, the strong to fresh wind (Constitution carried double-reefed topsails); second, the lively to rough sea conditions ( boarding was not possible) and third, the time of day: it was an hour before sunset at the beginning of the main action, and the later part took place in darkness.