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Notes
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The subject of this painting is a Dutch naval attack on a fortress by the sea which is defended by Spanish ships and armed soldiers. The fort stands on raised ground, behind some low tree-topped dunes. A long line of armed men can be seen at the foot of the fortifications. In the foreground there is a galley flying the Burgundian flag, which was carried by all ships of the Spanish-occupied Netherlands, and a striped awning on the stern. The Spanish man-of-war beyond it flies a flag showing the Virgin Mary upon a crescent moon. Ahead of her another galley flying the Spanish flag prepares to engage with the four Dutch ships who are advancing from the right. These are flying the Dutch flag with the one nearest to the Spanish man-of-war shown firing. Separated from the action, in the left foreground, a number of musketeers observe the scene.
Despite the emergence of a more atmospheric style of Dutch marine painting elsewhere, especially in Haarlem, Willaerts’ style remained recognisably colourful throughout his life. Willaerts had a monopoly on seascape painting in Utrecht, engaging with its intellectual elite and gaining prestigious commissions from the City and State of Utrecht. In Utrecht he was involved in the founding of the local Guild of St Luke and remained closely associated with its management, frequently serving as its deacon. He had a number of apprentices and three of his own children, including Abraham, became painters as well.
Title
A Dutch Squadron Attacking a Spanish Fortress
Date
1622
Medium
oil on panel
Measurements
H 40.5 x W 76 cm
Accession number
BHC0801
Work type
Painting
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England
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