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Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 8 August 1588

Photo credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

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A theatrical interpretation of the Battle of Gravelines, an historical episode that had taken place over 200 years earlier. The narrative shows the morning after the English fireship attack on the Armada in Calais Roads, which found the Spaniards in a north-westerly gale off Dunkirk. A shift in the wind direction prevented many of their ships from being wrecked on the surrounding shoals. Saved from this disaster, they fought all day with the English and Dutch until they turned northwards, defeated, on their retreat around Scotland. In the left foreground, a boat-load of English sailors are fighting their way into the beak of a Spanish ship which is silhouetted against the flame and smoke. The Duke of Medina Sidonia's flagship, 'San Martin' flying the Papal standard at the main above a religious banner and the Spanish ensign on her stern, is immediately beyond to the right.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 8 August 1588

Date

1796

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 214.6 x W 278.1 cm

Accession number

BHC0264

Acquisition method

National Maritime Museum (Greenwich Hospital Collection)

Work type

Painting

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National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England

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