The Raid On Zeebrugge (1918) – Attributed To Charles John De Lacy (1856–1929) – Oil On Canvas

A striking and powerful oil on board from the Great War era, depicting the famous “Raid on Zeebrugge” (The Raid on Zeebrugge), which took place on the night of April 23, 1918.

This high-quality historical work is attributed to Charles John DE LACY (1856–1929), one of the most renowned British marine painters of his time, famous for his masterful and technically precise depictions of Royal Navy ships. An oil version of this same scene by the artist is also preserved in the collections of the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.

Subject and composition:The painting depicts one of the most heroic feats of arms of World War I: the assault on the Zeebrugge Pier (Belgium), a massive fortified breakwater protecting the German submarine base. The ship depicted in the foreground against the pier is the famous HMS Vindictive, an Arrogant-class cruiser, specially modified for this operation with raised landing ramps to drop Royal Marine assault troops under a hail of fire.

The artist powerfully captures the apocalyptic atmosphere of the battle: the waves of a rough sea, enemy searchlights, explosions, and thick plumes of black and ochre smoke billowing from the ship’s funnels, as it proudly flies the British flag (White Ensign). The brushwork is lively, modern, and textured, typical of great war paintings.

Provenance and characteristics:The work, unsigned on the visible side, bears its attribution on the back in pencil. The back of the frame also retains its original explanatory label as well as the prestigious provenance note: “Ex-collection Lt Commander Jago” (Royal Navy officer), which confers on this work first-rate traceability and military legitimacy.

Technical details:

• Artist: Charles John DE LACY (1856–1929) (attributed to)

• Title: The Raid on Zeebrugge

• Technique: Oil on cardboard

• Dimensions: 45 x 79 cm

• Inscriptions: Attributed in pencil on the back, period explanatory label

• Provenance: Former collection of Lieutenant Commander Jago (Royal Navy)

• Condition: In good overall condition, sound paint layer, work presented in its original white patinated wooden frame.