Artwork
Among the Clements Library’s holdings of graphics depicting historical events are five images portraying some of the most dramatic moments from the Barbary Wars. Select an image for further details.
Decatur’s Conflict with the Algerine at Tripoli. Reuben James Interposing His Head to Save the Life of His Commander [Stephen Decatur].” Copied from the original engraving by Alonzo Chappel, 1858.
“A Perspective View of the U.S. Frigate Philadelphia in which is represented her relative position to the Tripolitan Gun-boats when during their furious attack upon her she was unable to get a single gun to bear upon them.” Colored engraving, Tripoli, 1803.
“The Attack Made on Tripoli on the 3rd of August 1804, by the American Squadron under Edward Preble: depicting the first attack on Tripoli harbor by the Constitution, the Syren, the Argus, the Enterprise, the Nautilus, and the Vixen (created 1805) under Comodore Edward Preble.” Hand-colored engraving by J.B. Guerrazzi.
“Blowing up of the Fire Ship Intrepid commanded by Capt. Somers on the night of the 4th Sept 1805, Before the Intrepid had gained her Disdined situation she was suddenly boarded by 100 Tripolines, when the Galland Somers and Heroes of his party Lieut. Wadsworth and Israel and 10 Men observed themselves surrounded by 5 Gun-boats and no prospect of escape, determined at once to prefer Death and the Destruction of the Enemy, to Captivity & a torturing Slavery, put a Match train leading directly to the Magazine, which at once blew the whole into the Air.” Engraving.
“A View of Commodore Preble’s Squadron whilst engaging the Gun-boats and Forts of Tripoli on the 3rd of August 1804 when they captured three of the Tripolitan Gun-boats & greatly damag’d the Bashaw’s Fortification…[depicting] Six gun-boats, a Tripolitian Brig, Schooner, Row Galley, Gun-boats, a French Privateer, the Bashaw’s Castle, Fort Buchameene, Counsular Flags, Fort Spanish, Fort Turk, Fort Jewish, Fort Redondo or the Admiral’s Fort, Mosques.” Colored engraving.