This print, published by Lordereau in Paris, shows 'Constitution' on the right, her masts seeming to reach proudly and unnaturally high into the sky, pounding 'Guerriere' of the Royal Navy into submission. 'Guerriere' by comparison appears diminished and crushed, overwhelmed by smoke from cannon fire.

The "USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere" was a single ship action during the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States, approximately 400 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It took place shortly after war had broken out, and would prove to be an important victory for American morale.

Commodore Isaac Hull assumed command of 'Constitution' in June 1810. He took the ship on a European cruise in 1811, returning home before the War of 1812 broke out. An enemy squadron closely pursued his ship off the East Coast in July, but Hull skillfully evaded them. On August 19, 1812, 'Constitution' encountered 'Guerriere' and pounded her to a wreck in an action that demonstrated that the US Navy was a worthy opponent for Britain's overwhelming maritime might.