The artwork titled “Terrific combat between the ‘Monitor’ 2 guns & ‘Merrimac’ 11 guns in Hampton Roads March 9th., 1862” was created by Currier and Ives in 1862. This piece belongs to the Romanticism movement and falls within the genre of battle painting. It is part of an artwork series concentrating on the American Civil War.
The artwork illustrates a dramatic naval battle between the ironclad warships USS Monitor and CSS Merrimac. Amidst turbulent waves, the two vessels are depicted engaging in fierce combat, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from their cannons, filling the sky. The scene captures the intense energy and chaos of the confrontation, highlighting the stark contrast between the ironclad designs of the ships and the smoke-filled background. The American flag can be seen flying prominently on the USS Monitor, while the CSS Merrimac is recognizable by its distinctive shape and structure. The overall composition exudes a sense of urgency and conflict, emblematic of the historical moment during the Civil War when this battle occurred.
