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The last of the 'Scharnhorst' and 'Gneisenau'; the Battle of the Falkland Islands, 8 Decemeber 1914, about 16.15, c.1915-18 (wash, grey, heightened with white)
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The last of the 'Scharnhorst' and 'Gneisenau'; the Battle of the Falkland Islands, 8 Decemeber 1914, about 16.15, c.1915-18 (wash, grey, heightened with white)
7341747 The last of the 'Scharnhorst' and 'Gneisenau'; the Battle of the Falkland Islands, 8 Decemeber 1914, about 16.15, c.1915-18 (wash, grey, heightened with white) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931); 29.7x44.7 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: William Lionel Wyllie
This is a monochrome version of or study for a watercolour reproduced in colour in Wyllie and M.F. Wren's ' Sea Fights of the Great War' (1918) f. p. 104, which bears the inscribed title quoted above and the printed caption ' "Scharnhorst" and "Gneisenau": The End of the Chase'. At the Battle of the Falklands the German armoured cruiser 'Scharnhorst ' (1906), flagship of Vice-Admiral Maximilian von Spee, was overwhelmed by the gunfire of the British battlecruisers 'Invincible' (1907) and 'Inflexible' (1907, flagship of Vice-Admiral Frederick Doveton Sturdee) and sank at 16.17, having received a few shots from the armoured cruiser 'Carnarvon' (1903) as well. Her entire crew was lost, including von Spee and two of his sons. This drawing shows the situation at 16.15 with the 'Scharnhorst' on her beam ends. Her sister, the 'Gneisenau' (1906), in the background, continued the fight under Captain Maerker until she was out of ammunition. Although she was then obviously sinking, Maerker gave the order to scuttle the ship and abandon her. She foundered at 18.00. The three British ships immediately set about the work of rescue and 190 of the 'Gneisenau's' crew survived. [BTodd/ PvdM 5/13]); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38516188
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
1914 1918 Wwi Ww One Atlantic Atlantic Ocean First War 1914 1918 Naval Battle Paddle Wheel Steamer Paddlesteamers Royal Academician Royal Academicians See Battle Ship Wreck Ship Wrecked Shipwreck Shipwrecked Steamship William Lionel Wyllie William Lionel Wyllie Ra World War 1914 1918 World War 1914 19180 Ww I Wyllie Wyllie William Lionel 1851 1931 1900 1910 Years 10 10s 1910 1919 Years 10 10s Art Fine Art First World War 1914 1918 First World War 1st World War Years 1910 Years 10 Years Ten
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful and haunting image captures the final moments of the German armoured cruisers 'Scharnhorst' and 'Gneisenau' during the Battle of the Falkland Islands on 8 December 1914. Painted by William Lionel Wyllie, this monochrome print depicts the dramatic scene at around 16:15 as the British battlecruisers 'Invincible' and 'Inflexible' relentlessly bombard the doomed ships.
The 'Scharnhorst', flagship of Vice-Admiral Maximilian von Spee, is shown listing heavily in the foreground, while her sister ship, the 'Gneisenau', continues to fight valiantly in the background under Captain Maerker's command. Despite their fierce resistance, both vessels ultimately succumb to British firepower - with tragic consequences for their crews.
The detail and emotion captured in this artwork are truly striking; from the smoke billowing from gun barrels to sailors scrambling for safety amidst chaos and destruction. The artist's skillful use of washes, grey tones, and highlights with white bring a sense of urgency and desperation to this historic moment.
As we gaze upon this poignant depiction of naval warfare, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who fought bravely on both sides during World War I. It serves as a solemn tribute to all those who perished at sea that fateful day, leaving behind a legacy of courage and honor that will never be forgotten.
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