The Four Days’ Battle

This patriotic scene chronicles the Four Days' Battle (June 11-14, 1666) between the Dutch and the British fleets in the English Channel. The Dutch squadron's two principal ships, the Gouda and the Spiegel, appear toward the center of the composition. This battle, one of several naval engagements during the protracted trade wars between these two countries, ended favorably for the Dutch. The British fleet sustained the loss of 8, 000 men and 17 ships.