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HMS Cardiff leading the German fleet to surrender, 1918, 1919 (paper, watercolour)
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HMS Cardiff leading the German fleet to surrender, 1918, 1919 (paper, watercolour)
7342504 HMS Cardiff leading the German fleet to surrender, 1918, 1919 (paper, watercolour) by Dixon, Charles Edward (1872-1934); 37.3x52 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Charles Dixon
Inscribed signed and dated by the artist, lower left: HMS Cardiff leading the German fleet / Charles Dixon/ 1919'. He has also added HMS Cardiff under that ship. The frame bears a longer inscription: H.M.S. Cardiff leading ships to surrender, as seen from H.M.S. Seymour, / Nov. 21, 1918. Time 10.45 a.m. Distance at sea about 30 miles. In fact, and despite Dixon's high quality as a marine painter, it is not a particularly accurate depiction of this well documented event, in which the Cardiff led the German High Seas Fleet into the Forth before it was moved to Scapa Flow in smaller groups (22-26 November). Technically, the ships are too close together and also not well detailed, but since the artist's intention is much more likely to have been to create a general impression, these are sacriices to effect. The view of the approaching line of ships from fine on the starboard bow naturally foreshortens the actual distance between them, and is also an effective way of compressing a large subject into quite a small canvas. Dixon's much larger painting showing the same subject from a more starboard-broadside view (and formerly in the Cardiff Coal Exchange) is also in the Museum collection (BHC0670). The naval airship NS8 shown in the present picture at top right was aloft with NS7 on this occasion and one of them (or both) films it for cinema newsreel distribution: a captioned copy of the circulated version is now in the Imperial War Museum (IWM637: see http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/). This is one of three related watercolours by Dixon of this subject in the collection: PAJ3112 shows the same subject at about 10.45; PAJ2977 shows it at about 11.30, including the flanking northern line of British ships led by the Queen Elizabeth, with the southern one (as here) in the distance. [BTodd/PvdM 5/13]); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38341286
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Amred Forces Capitulate Capitulation Captivity Capture First War 1914 1918 Paddle Wheel Steamer Paddlesteamers Steamship Surrender Watercolors Watercolour Paint Ww I 1900 1910 Years 10 10s 1910 1919 Years 10 10s Marines Maritime Force Naval Force Naval Infantry Years 1910 Years 10 Years Ten
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning watercolour print by Charles Edward Dixon captures the historic moment when HMS 'Cardiff' led the German fleet to surrender in 1918. The artist's attention to detail and skill as a marine painter is evident in this piece, despite some inaccuracies in the depiction of the event.
The scene shows HMS 'Cardiff' leading the line of ships towards surrender, with the naval airship 'NS8' hovering above capturing footage for cinema newsreels. The composition effectively compresses a large subject into a small canvas, creating a powerful and dynamic impression of this significant moment in history.
Although not entirely accurate in terms of ship positioning and details, Dixon's intention was likely to convey the overall impact and importance of this event rather than strict realism. The inscription on the frame provides context for viewers, noting that it was painted from H.M.S. Seymour on November 21st at 10:45 am from a distance of about 30 miles at sea.
Overall, this artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the end of World War I and showcases Dixon's talent for capturing maritime scenes with emotion and drama. It is one of three related watercolours by Dixon on this subject held at the National Maritime Museum in London.
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