This is one of six near-identical official portraits of the Dutch national hero, Lieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, commissioned by the governors of the regional admiralties. De Ruyter commanded the Dutch fleet during the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1664-67). The ships in the background on the right were painted by Willem van de Velde the Younger. Technical examination shows they are on a separate canvas which was inserted into the main picture.
One of the best tactician’s ever, especially the Raid on the Medway which was considered the greatest defeat in English naval history! Would love to see some more articles about him or some of his raid. Keep going with the info, probably one of the best sites about the 16th 17th and 18th century i’ve seen so far..
[…] was assigned to the fleet as a government delegate. In June 1667 the Dutch fleet commanded by De Ruyter, but effectively guided by Cornelis de Witt entered the […]
[…] fleet prepared to set sail for the Medway and Sheerness in 1667. This expedition commanded by Admiral De Ruyter resulted in a stunning success. Much of the English navy was destroyed or captured. The Dutch ships […]
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