H. P. C. Dahm (b. Copenhagen 1787, d. 1844)
Two battle scenes from the war between Denmark and Britain near Sjællands Odde (Spit) 1808. The Danish battleship “Prinds Christian Frederik” with Captain C. W. Jessen fighting the English frigates “The Stately”, “Nassau” and “Quebeck”. At the bottom four verses with a decription of the battle in Danish. Both signed: “Malet efter et Øienvidnes Beretning af H. P. Dahm” (Painted after the description of an eyewitness by H. P. Dahm). Both oil on paper mounted on masonite. 53×65 cm each. (2).
A short summary of the four verses under the two paintings:
1: Captain Jessen fought for his native country with a lion's courage against the enemy off Røsnæs Beach. He swore to kill the enemy with sword in hand.
2: Everyone was ready on board the frigate “Prinds Christian” to fight the enemy even if it would cost blood, and the death of fire was lightening where the brave Danes stood.
3: The enemy opened fire and the Danish “Christian” was in trouble but they fought with courage against the enemy. Threefold was the superior force and the hero found his grave.
4: Von Jessen didn't want to surrender but after the death of more than 80 men, he decided that needless should blood not be spent and “Christian” was agrounded.
Captain Jessen was taken prisoner of war and brought to Gothenburg, from there he send a description of the progress of the battle to the Danish king.
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Paintings, varia & carpets, 28 September 2010