Rick Reeves (American, b. 1959)

Expect No Quarter: Blackbeard at The Battle of Ocracoke Inlet, November 22, 1718

Giclee print

Signed and inscribed at bottom. Marked no. 159/750

16 1/4 x 21 1/8 in., framed and matted to 27 3/4 x 32 3/4 in. 

A stirring scene is captured in this print. Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, and his crew are screaming and brandishing weapons, no doubt getting ready to enter battle. Pipes, tankards and even uneaten food are strewn about the floor of the ship Adventure, indicating that battle was unexpected. Nevertheless, these pirates are ready to fight — Blackbeard holds two pistols with one more tucked into his sash, and the pirates around him are armed with a mixture of pistols, muskets and knives. 

Although Blackbeard appears unafraid to enter battle, this would be his final stand. The Battle of Ocracoke saw Teach and his crew ambushed by British forces. Although he fought with his trademark ferocity, Blackbeard would be shot five times and slashed more than 20. His head was severed from his body and hung from the masts as proof of his death. 

Rick Reeves (b. 1959) of Tampa, Florida, is a master of American military paintings, devoting exceptional detail to the uniforms, flags, and landscapes. His paintings reveal a profound understanding of the battlefield and a sensitivity to the pivotal moments of war. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Art, Paintings, Piracy, Blackbeard, Pirates, Golden Age of Piracy, Privateers]