The Battle of Copenhagen by John Steven Dews

John Steven Dews
b.1949 | British

The Bombardment of Copenhagen

Signed "J Steven Dews" (lower left)
Oil on canvas

This masterpiece by John Steven Dews, entitled The Bombardment of Copenhagen, stands as a testament to the artist's mastery of maritime art and immortalizes one of the most legendary naval battles in history. Dews' brushstrokes depict the famed British and Danish ships lined side by side and capture Lord Horatio Nelson's famous “leapfrog” strategy as his British ships successfully overpowered Copenhagen's powerful fortification. The artist’s virtuosic ability to capture wind, waves and the expansive sky creates an elevated depiction of this battle, unmatched by any previous renderings. It stands alone in works by this master and is considered perhaps the greatest painting of the famed sea battle.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period of intense geopolitical tension between France and Britain unfolded in Europe. The War of the Second Coalition (1798–1802) marked a struggle for supremacy between these two global powers. In response to Britain's blockade on France aimed at crippling its economy, Sweden, Prussia, Denmark and Russia formed the League of Armed Neutrality to ensure free trade with France. Unsurprisingly, this challenged Britain's interests. To disrupt the League, Britain dispatched a formidable fleet under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, and on March 30, 1801, the brilliant pair of admirals, along with 20 ships and their supports, arrived in Copenhagen.

Nelson, ever the tactician, suggested a southern approach to bypass the Middle Ground, a shoal east of the city too shallow for large ships. Admiral Parker agreed, and Nelson moved his ships southeast under the cover of darkness. Simultaneously, Parker's ships paraded in the north to distract the Danes. On the morning of April 2, Nelson initiated the attack. Despite early setbacks, including three ships running aground, the British fleet executed Nelson's "leapfrogging" strategy brilliantly. Admiral Parker, misjudging the situation due to obstructed visibility, signaled for a retreat. Nelson famously held his telescope to his blind eye, stating he could not see the signal, and continued until victory was achieved. The saying "Turning a blind eye” comes from this famed moment.

Eventually, the British gained the upper hand, capturing several Danish ships. Nelson then sent a message to the Danish Crown, threatening to burn the captured vessels unless a ceasefire was agreed upon. The Danes complied, and a peace treaty followed, effectively dissolving the League of Armed Neutrality. The Battle of Copenhagen stands as a testament to British naval prowess and tactical ingenuity. It also had significant diplomatic repercussions, weakening the League of Armed Neutrality and thereby isolating France. The battle is often cited in military academies for its lessons in strategy, Nelson’s virtuosic leadership and the art of war.

Born in Yorkshire in 1949, Dews learned his trade at the Hull Regional College of Art after being turned down as a candidate at numerous naval academies. He turned to art to express his love for the sea, eventually building a sizable enough portfolio to mount his first exhibition in 1976. An astounding success, Dews sold nearly the entire collection on opening night, and he received 17 new commissions. Ever since his blockbuster opening, Dews has enjoyed remarkable success and critical acclaim, earning numerous prestigious commissions and awards to this day as one of Britain’s most sought-after living artists. As an experienced yachtsman, Dews’ immense knowledge of sailing and passion for the sea is reflected in the atmospheric compositions and meticulous details of his paintings. The maritime master's legendary eye for detail permeates every one of his canvases, including The Bombardment of Copenhagen, from the precise depiction of the riggings to the dynamic movement of the waves and sea.

Canvas: 41“ high x 66“ wide
Frame: 47 5/8“ high x 72 5/8” wide x 3/4" deep