Zeeslag bij Trafalgar, 1805 1898

"Zeeslag bij Trafalgar, 1805," by E. Albert & Co., captures a naval battle during a period of intense maritime conflict in Europe. In this print, what we see is more than just a depiction of war; it's a window into the social hierarchies of the time. Consider who is represented, and how. The hierarchy on the ship, the officers giving orders, the common sailors in the thick of battle, and the stark reality of those who were casualties. Notice how the bodies of fallen sailors are strewn across the deck, and ponder the diversity, or lack thereof, in the crew. What does it tell us about the roles and expectations placed upon different people in the British navy? This artwork isn't just about a battle; it's about the individuals who fought, suffered, and died, and the complex web of power, identity, and sacrifice in the age of empire.