HMS 'Medusa' Forcing the Passage through Shimonoseki Strait between Kyushu and Honshu, September 1864 — jonkheer Jacob Eduard van Heemskerck van Beest

jonkheer Jacob Eduard van Heemskerck van Beest. Painted 1864.

Around 1860 Japan was in turmoil about whether or not the country should engage in trade with the West. In 1863 insurgents – advocates of an isolationist policy – fired on western vessels, including the Dutch warship Medusa, in the Shimonoseki Straits. In retaliation, the western allies mounted a military expedition to end the blockade. The Netherlands once again deployed HMS Medusa for this mission.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in 19th Century, The Netherlands overseas, Main building.

canvas, oil paint (paint) · Original size: 107 × 68 cm · Gift of A.T.J. de Casembroot-van de Poll

Print: 107 × 68 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200109356. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.