Blackbeard’s Raid on Middletown

This piece is a unique representation of Blackbeard’s raid on Middletown, relying solely on the oldest-known text for reference.

Blackbeard and his crew gathered and delivered their plunder of livestock to their ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, which is not depicted in the artwork. The ship is not mentioned in the Middletown myth text by name or description, so there is no evidence to include it other than logic. The ultimate decision to exclude the ship, despite its significance, allows for a more focused and immersive beach scene. This enhances the storytelling aspect of the artwork with the intent of drawing viewers into the narrative.

Multiple painting styles and techniques were incorporated to create diversity and contrast, as well as a distinct variation of colors. Styles that mimic oil paint, watercolor, chalk pastels, and pencil can be found throughout the piece, which are unified with a pencil style outline to create an illustrative feel.

Featured in The Enduring Myth of Blackbeard’s Raid on Middletown, by John R. Barrows.