The survey vessel H.M.S. Merlin narrowly escaping destruction by two Russian mines off Sveaborg early in August 1855

John Wilson Carmichael painted this scene of naval drama using oil on canvas. The traditional artistic materials are in contrast with the modernity of the vessel, a steam-powered survey ship, which represents the industrial revolution's impact on naval warfare. Carmichael's skilled brushwork captures the chaotic scene, with the H.M.S. Merlin narrowly escaping Russian mines, highlighting the explosive potential of these weapons. The artist's technique is evident in the precise rendering of the ship's rigging and the churning water, reflecting both his artistic training and the detailed observation required of maritime painters. The painting style suggests a tension between the traditional skills of painting and the emerging technologies of naval warfare. It prompts us to consider the labor involved in both artistic creation and military endeavors, reflecting a society undergoing rapid industrial and technological change.