The Battle of Actium

Why it's great

Dozens of oared warships crash together at Actium in 31 BC, the sea battle where Octavian's fleet beat Mark Antony and Cleopatra. After it Octavian became Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Laureys a Castro painted it in 1672.

🏛️ Part of history

Cleopatra, Antony & the Rise of the Empire (44 BC – 14 AD) — Dozens of oared warships crash together at Actium in 31 BC, the sea battle where Octavian's fleet beat Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 1,600 × 1,125 px · 1.8 megapixels This is the largest scan on Wikimedia Commons, which is fairly small for a big print. The museum that owns it may offer a larger one. File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

Laureys a Castro

1644–1700 · born in Antwerp · died in England

Laureys a Castro was a marine painter born in Antwerp around 1644 who later moved to England. He painted sea battles and ships, and he is known as one of the Flemish artists who brought the Dutch style of sea painting to Britain. He died in England around 1700.