The Battle of the Downs, Willem van de Velde (I), 1659
canvas, h 124cm × w 190cm More details
In 1639 the Spanish attempted to transport troops and supplies to Flanders with a large fleet. The Spanish armada was intercepted in the English Channel by Maerten Harpertsz Tromp, who commanded a much smaller force. His spectacular victory and his capture of the Santa Teresa – the large Spanish warship burning on the left – established the Dutch fleet’s formidable reputation.
