Bombardment of Algiers (painting)

Bombardment of Algiers is one of a number of oil-on-canvas paintings by British artist Thomas Luny depicting the heavy bombardment of the harbour of Algiers by a fleet of Anglo-Dutch ships under the command of Admiral Lord Exmouth, and the ensuing destruction.

It was the result of the Dey's rejection of previous non-combative negotiations to free these slaves.

Following effective victory, Exmouth dispatched a peace treaty the next day at noon, under the condition that the opposition comply to the terms specified.

However, Exmouth had taken a sizable risk by demanding acceptance by force, because the fleet had actually fired off all of its ammunition.

The only source of lighting in the painting comes from the towering inferno in the approximate centre of the piece, behind Exmouth's ships.