VROOM, Hendrick Cornelisz.
(b. 1566, Haarlem, d. 1640, Haarlem)

Dutch Ships Ramming Spanish Galleys off the Flemish Coast in October 1602

1617
Oil on canvas, 118 x 151 cm
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

An imposing Dutch ship under full sail, proudly flying the Dutch tricolour and the flag of the States-General, runs down two Spanish galley. Depicted is a naval engagement, the Battle of the Dover Straits, which had unfolded in the Channel on 3 October 1602.

The painting is a result of the collaboration of Hendrick Cornelisz. Vroom and his son Cornelis Hendricksz. Vroom. It is derived from a print made by Hans Rem of Antwerp in 1603.