Dazzleships in Dry Dock at Liverpool

«Ships in Dazzle Camouflage in the Dry Docks of Liverpool”—a work by Edward Wadsworth, a leader of the British avant-garde movement, Vorticism. The canvas depicts a vessel covered in contrasting geometric patterns. This ship camouflage system, known as „dazzle camouflage,“ was indeed used by the British fleet during the First World War. Its purpose was not to hide the ship, but to disorient the enemy: the variegated patterns made it difficult to visually ascertain the target’s exact dimensions, shape, course, and speed. The painting was created in 1919, when Wadsworth himself, retired from active duty following an injury, was actively involved in designing and painting naval vessels.