'Affæren ved Tripolis den XVIde may MDCCXCVII' 1797 - 1897

T.E. Lønning created this painting, 'Affæren ved Tripolis den XVIde may MDCCXCVII', sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The canvas presents a maritime scene dominated by a squadron of ships amidst a turbulent sea. Lønning uses a muted palette, with greys and browns that create a somber, almost melancholic atmosphere, evoking a sense of historical reflection rather than immediate action. The composition is structured around the arrangement of the ships, with attention paid to their formation. The billowing sails and the dark hulls create a rhythm that suggests a moment of strategic engagement. The puffs of smoke indicate cannon fire and introduce a visual disruption that adds to the scene's tension. In the context of maritime paintings, this work avoids romanticizing naval conflict. Notice how the horizon line is blurred, almost dissolving into the sky. This technique flattens the pictorial space, emphasizing the materiality of the paint and the constructed nature of the image. The painting does not offer a clear moral judgment or narrative resolution. Instead, it invites contemplation on the historical, geopolitical, and human dimensions of naval warfare.