Battle of Santiago de Cuba
July 3, 1898

Accession number:
1903.03

Maker:
Alfonso Sanz

Historical period:
1899

Miltary branch:

Wars and Conflicts:

Type:

Dimensions:
H x W: 39 in. / 79 in.

Acquisition date:
1903

Credit line:
Gift of George J. Seabury

Location:
, ,

Provenance:

From 1903: The Army and Navy Club, gift of George J. Seabury

Label:

The Battle of Santiago de Cuba, fought on July 3, 1898, was the final major engagement of the Spanish–American War. In a desperate attempt to break out of the harbor and escape the U.S. blockade, the Spanish fleet came under overwhelming American fire. Within hours, nearly the entire squadron was destroyed or driven aground. The victory ended any significant Spanish naval presence in the Western Hemisphere, sealed American triumph in the war, and secured Cuba’s nominal independence from Spain.

This painting, by captured Spanish naval medical officer Alfonso Sanz, depicts the Spanish fleet’s attempted breakout from the U.S. blockade of Santiago Harbor as American ground forces advanced on the city.

This painting was featured in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery's exhibition "1898: U.S. Imperial Visions and Revisions," which was on view from April 28, 2023 - February 25, 2024.