Battle of Gibraltar in 1607, Cornelis Claesz van Wieringen, c. 1621
oil on canvas, h 136.8cm × w 187cm More details
A Spanish flagship is hit amidships by a smaller Dutch warship. It explodes in the middle of the Bay of Gibraltar. 25 April 1607: this is the first sea battle the Dutch fleet fights out with the Spanish beyond their own waters. It meets with great success. The Spanish losses are extensive: Spanish soldiers are catapulted into the air and drown in the sea. The painting is thus also meant to celebrate this spectacular Dutch victory.