Capture of the British Sloop of War Frolic 18th-19th century

Curator: Samuel Seymour's etching, "Capture of the British Sloop of War Frolic," depicts the naval battle between the USS Wasp and the HMS Frolic. Editor: Wow, the ships look like they're dancing a violent waltz in a stormy sea. There's a real sense of dramatic chaos packed into such a small space. Curator: Indeed, Seymour created this design, which is roughly 9 by 15 centimeters, to commemorate an important naval victory during the War of 1812. It reflects how the war was consumed at the time. Editor: It's funny how something so small can feel so epic. I'm thinking about how artists take sides, how they glorify conflict, but also perhaps hint at the sheer terror of it all. Curator: Certainly, it highlights the politics of imagery. Ultimately, it is a window into the public role of art during wartime. Editor: Well, either way, it has made me think about perspective and the stories we choose to tell—or not.