['The fire on the Wharves of Algiers, shortly after the commencement of the Bombardment by the Anglo-Dutch Fleet, 27 August 1816', 'Four Episodes during the Presence of the Anglo-Dutch Fleet in the Bay of Algiers, 26 to 27 August 1816'] 1816 - 1820

Nicolaas Baur painted 'The Fire on the Wharves of Algiers' to depict the Anglo-Dutch fleet's bombardment in 1816. This event occurred during a period of heightened tensions around the issue of enslavement within the Mediterranean. The painting serves as a historical document and touches upon themes of power, morality, and the complex politics of the 19th century. It invites us to consider the dynamics between Europe and North Africa, and to question the narratives of liberation and colonialism that shaped this historical moment. The visceral depiction of the fire also conveys the human cost of the conflict, hinting at the suffering and displacement experienced by those caught in the crossfire. Baur’s painting encourages a dialogue about the legacies of military intervention and the responsibilities of historical representation. While ostensibly documenting a 'moral' act, the painting quietly asks about whose freedom was truly at stake.