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The skirmish of Michiel Adriaensz de Ruyter against the duke of York, commanding the 'Royal Prince'during the Battle of Solebay, 7 June 1672: episode from the Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672-74) by Willem van de Velde the Younger

Willem van de Velde the Younger · 1691-01-01

Willem van de Velde the Younger's "The skirmish of Michiel Adriaensz de Ruyter against the duke of York..." (1691) captures a dramatic moment from the Third Anglo-Dutch War. This oil painting, held at the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to the Dutch Golden Age of marine art.

The painting focuses on the fierce engagement between the Dutch flagship and the English 'Royal Prince.' The artist masterfully renders the chaotic scene with billowing cannon smoke and choppy waves, creating a palpable sense of movement and danger.

Painted more than two decades after the Battle of Solebay in 1672, this work reflects the artist's skill in historical depiction. Look closely at the water, and you'll spot small details like floating wreckage, subtle yet powerful reminders of the battle's destructive impact and human cost.

Van de Velde the Younger was renowned for his marine art, and this piece exemplifies his ability to convey both the grandeur and grim reality of naval warfare. What hidden details do you find most striking?

Details

It's 1672, and the Dutch flagship engages the English 'Royal Prince'.
It's 1672, and the Dutch flagship engages the English 'Royal Prince'.
Cannon smoke billows, showing the intense exchange of fire.
Cannon smoke billows, showing the intense exchange of fire.
The artist painted this more than 20 years after the actual event.
The artist painted this more than 20 years after the actual event.
But look closely at the rough sea around the ships.
But look closely at the rough sea around the ships.
Transcript

This painting shows a battle from the Third Anglo-Dutch War. It's 1672, and the Dutch flagship engages the English 'Royal Prince'. Cannon smoke billows, showing the intense exchange of fire. The artist painted this more than 20 years after the actual event. But look closely at the rough sea around the ships. That floating debris reveals the battle's true, destructive scale.