The Action off Dogger Bank (5 August 1781) 1783

J. Weuyster's rendering of *The Action off Dogger Bank*, made in 1781, presents a naval battle scene with a striking emphasis on linear precision. The composition is meticulously structured, where ships are arranged in rows to give a sense of depth. The colour palette is muted. The artist employs linear perspective to convey depth, yet this is somewhat undermined by the flattening effect of the ships' silhouettes. The semiotic system at play here hinges on the representation of naval power. Each ship, rendered with attention to detail, functions as a signifier of national strength. However, the near uniformity of the ships challenges any clear hierarchy of power, complicating a straightforward reading of victory or defeat. Note the use of line to suggest movement, as though the entire scene exists in a state of delicate balance. This dynamic arrangement destabilizes the expected narrative of conflict, prompting a deeper reflection on the nature of maritime encounters.