"Burning of the Philadelphia," painted by Edward Moran in the late 19th century, is a dramatic and historically significant maritime artwork. It illustrates the thrilling scene in Tripoli Harbor during the First Barbary War, where the USS Philadelphia, a U.S. Navy frigate, was captured and subsequently set on fire by Tripolitan forces in 1804.

The scene is one of chaos: the frigate Philadelphia is engulfed in flames, casting a glow across the dark waters of Tripoli harbor, as American sailors desperately attempt to escape the inferno in small boats.

The painting captures the tension and action of this pivotal event in American naval history, illustrating the artist's skill in depicting maritime scenes. It serves as a historical record of the daring rescue mission and the sacrifices made by American sailors in the line of duty.