The Duel

Description:

One of many dramatic paintings of the Monitor-Virginia duel, this view by Ben Richardson shows the Virginia firing her bow gun at the Union ironclad. The Monitor's greater speed and maneuverability meant that the Virginia could seldom bring her biggest broadside guns to bear on the swift challenger. The masts of the sunken Cumberland, the Virginia's first victim, are shown sticking out of the shallow water in the background. (Norfolk Museum)


Bibliography:    

Donovan, Frank R.Ironclads of the Civil War. New York: American Heritage Publishing
Co., 1964. p.48-49.