Artwork

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658 is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Peter van de Velde. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a work of marine art created by Peter van de Velde in 1670, the piece functions as a historical record of this specific 17th-century conflict.

The painting depicts the naval engagement fought near Elseneur in the Sound on 8 November 1658, involving the Dutch and Swedish fleets. As a work of marine art created by Peter van de Velde in 1670, the piece functions as a historical record of this specific 17th-century conflict. The subject matter focuses on the sea battle itself, illustrating the military confrontation between the two nations without additional symbolic or allegorical layers described in the available records.

History & Provenance

Created in 1670 by Peter van de Velde, this oil painting on panel depicts the naval engagement between Dutch and Swedish fleets near Elseneur on November 8, 1658. The work was produced in the Low Countries approximately twelve years after the actual battle occurred. While the specific circumstances of its commission remain undocumented in the available records, the piece has entered the collections of major Dutch institutions.

It is currently held by the Rijksmuseum and Het Scheepvaartmuseum, where it is classified as a work of marine art.

The painting is held in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it forms part of the institution’s collection. It is also associated with Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum), though its primary location remains the Rijksmuseum.

The work has been inventoried under the accession number SK-A-1855 within the Rijksmuseum’s holdings. There are no documented public exhibitions of the painting beyond its permanent display or inclusion in internal museum rotations.

Overview

Naval battle near Elseneur in the Sound between the Dutch and the Swedish fleets, 8 November 1658 is a 1670 oil painting by Flemish marine artist Peter van de Velde, capturing a pivotal naval clash in vivid detail.

Technique & Style

Van de Velde employed chiaroscuro, juxtaposing dark shadows with bright highlights to create dramatic depth, making the ships stand out against the turbulent sky filled with smoke and clouds.

Context

This historical naval scene is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age's artistic output, reflecting the era's fascination with maritime power and conflict.