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Framed: 30 1/2 x 47 in. (77.5 x 119.5 cm)
Pieter Cornelisz van Soest Dutch, 1600-1667
The Dutch victory over the Spanish and Portuguese fleets, off the ‘Downs’ near Kent, 1639
oil on panel
21 x 37¾ in. (53 x 96 cm.)
£16,500
Depicted in this work is the famous ‘Battle of the Downs’, which took place on 21 October, 1639 during the 80 years war. It was fought between a large Dutch fleet and a combined Spanish and Portuguese invasion force that sailed into the English Channel, before sheltering in the deep-water area known as the ‘Downs’ off the English south coast.
In the melee on the left side of the painting is the ‘Aemilia’, Dutch Admiral Tromp’s flagship, with other ships of his fleet surrounding the Spanish flagship, the ‘Santiago’, under the command of Admiral De Oquendo.
The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Dutch, and halted the Spanish and Portuguese attempts to take control of the English Channel.