The Dutch victory over the Spanish and Portuguese fleets, off the ‘Downs’ near Kent, 1639
Van Soest was a Dutch marine painter, specialising in maritime battle scenes. Born in 1600, the son of Cornelis Pietersz van Soest, little is know about him. In 1642 he became Poorter of Amsterdam where he was recorded until 1667. In April 1643, as a painter living on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, he married Marritie Dircx (born ca. 1620 in Goch). Jan Abrahamsz Beerstraaten was one of his pupils.
Among his subjects are the Battle of the Downs and the Second Anglo-Dutch War, particularly the Raid on the Medway. Van Soest also depicted the ships Comet Star and Eendracht. His paintings usually have a panoramic view of the battles. Van Soest rendered ships with delicate brushstrokes, while a light impasto is a feature of his skies.