The \'Royal Prince\' and other Vessels at the Four Days Battle, 1–4 June 1666

by Abraham Storck, circa 1670

This battle took place during the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1664–67). Storck combines various events from the action to emphasize the drama of the encounter. The masts, clouds and gunsmoke form an impenetrable haze. At the centre is the Zeven Provincien, flagship of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. It bears a lion, the symbol of the Dutch Republic, on its stern. On the right is the English Royal Prince in full combat, although the ship was actually destroyed earlier in the battle.