Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

The Battle of Lepanto, 7 October 1571

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

The loss of Cyprus to the Turks in 1571 provoked action by the Christian League under Don Juan of Austria, the illegitimate half-brother of Philip II of Spain. A fleet of over 200 galleys proceeded to the Gulf of Lepanto where they met the Turkish fleet on 7 October 1571. The Galleys were mainly Venetian and Spanish but included squadrons from the Papal States and Genoa. Although the Christians were outnumbered on the flanks, they triumphed in the centre and the Turks were eventually defeated. The battle is memorable as the last of the great galley actions and for the large number of people who were killed; about 25,000 Turks and 8,000 Christians. The painting is an imaginative interpretation of the battle, with a high horizon and a sea littered with Galleys locked in combat.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

The Battle of Lepanto, 7 October 1571

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 127 x W 232.4 cm

Accession number

BHC0261

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue