"The Monitor at Work on the Merrimac (or Virginia)." Civil War Battle Scene by Harry Fenn, Published by N. Orr Co.

Presented is an engraving titled "The Monitor at Work on the Merrimac (or Virginia)," published by the N. Orr Company and illustrated by American artist Harry Fenn. The dramatic composition captures the legendary duel between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack), one of the most significant naval engagements of the Civil War. At the center of the scene, the two ironclads exchange heavy cannon fire amid dense clouds of smoke and steam. Shells strike the water around the ships, sending great columns of spray into the air. Traditional wooden warships linger in the background, serving as visual contrast to the two armored vessels engaged in battle. 

The Battle of Hampton Roads, fought on March 9, 1862, marked the first engagement in history between steam-powered ironclad warships. The Confederate CSS Virginia, constructed from the remains of the scuttled USS Merrimack, had devastated the Union's wooden fleet the previous day, delivering a clear demonstration of the obsolescence of conventional naval vessels. Luckily, the newly completed USS Monitor, designed by Swedish-American engineer John Ericsson, arrived just in time to challenge the Confederate ironclad. Distinguished by its low profile and innovative revolving gun turret, the Monitor represented a radical departure from traditional warship design.

The four-hour battle ended without a decisive victor; neither vessel succeeded in destroying the other. Nevertheless, the event showcased the vulnerability of wooden ships to ironclad technology and highlighted the need for further advancements in naval design. Following this battle, both the Confederacy and the Union recognized the importance of ironclad vessels, leading to the development and investment into fleets of ironclad ships.

Harry Fenn (1845–1911) was a British-born artist and engraver who immigrated to the United States in 1865. Celebrated for his detailed landscapes, architectural views, and historical illustrations, Fenn became one of the foremost illustrators of the late nineteenth century. His work appeared in numerous illustrated books and periodicals, and his engravings are admired for their precision, atmospheric effects, and dramatic compositions. 

CONDITION: 

Very good condition. Toning, light in color, but moderate in coverage. Small areas of foxing. Glue hinge remnants along the bottom margin, where print was hinged into a book. Verso is clean, but inked "1866" in blue ballpoint pen in the corner, a modern inscription.

Engraving is archivally framed in a custom-built wooden frame, with acid-free mats, and UV glass.

Framed Dimensions: 11" H x 13" W x 1" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.