The Battle of Copenhagen by Nicholas Pocock

The Battle of Copenhagen, 2 April 1801, fought to force Denmark out of the hostile 'Armed Neutrality' of the Northern Powers – Russia, Sweden, Denmark and Prussia –was the second of Nelson's great battles and, like the Battle of the Nile, also against an enemy at anchor. Nelson's intention was to concentrate on parts of the Danish defence and defeat it in detail but despite careful preparations the issue remained in doubt. Nelson ignored his superior's signal of recall: 'Leave off action! ... Now damn me if I do. You know, Foley, I have only one eye – I have a right to be blind sometimes….I really do not see the signal.' Eventually, he offered a truce to save the Danish wounded in sinking and burning ships. As against this show of humanity, he used diplomacy, threat and bluff to engineer an armistice. With the arrival of the news of the assassination of Tsar Paul I of Russia, which, in fact, preceded the battle, the Armed Neutrality collapsed.

Pocock's painting shows Nelson's line anchored and in action against the Danish line, which lies between him and Copenhagen. Nelson's flagship, the 'Elephant', can be seen to the left of centre flying his blue vice-admiral's flag. Bomb vessels anchored on the edge of the Middle Ground shoal at the bottom right fire shells over the heads of both fleets towards Copenhagen. This painting, which is a highly detailed representation of the action, was executed for engraving in Clarke and Macarthur's 'Life of Nelson'(1809).

The print can be printed on heavyweight 160 gsm paper or laminated. The paper version is perfect for framing under glass, and the laminated version is exceptionally hard-wearing, as we use a true encapsulation of two pieces of 80-micron gloss laminate.

Alternatively, we can supply this print on 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas using pigment-based inks, making it highly durable and fade-resistant. The exceptional clarity of the printing makes this a stunning addition to any room, and its high quality means that it will provide years of enjoyment.

The easiest way to hang your canvas print is with wooden hang rollers attached to the top and bottom. The top roller has a hanging cord, so you only have to put a hook on the wall. The hang rails come lacquered in a natural timber colour. 

Note: Please allow ten working days to deliver hang-railed prints, as our framer must attach them.

If you would like this print in a different size, please call or email us; we can help.

Painted: 1809

Size: 841 mm (w) x 593 mm (h)