1655 Mattheus Merian, Naval Battle, First Anglo Dutch War

Superb naval battle scene depicted during the First Anglo Dutch war.  

Abbildung der Bludigen See Treffens zwischen den Holländern und Engelländern, so drey tage gewehret, Geschehen im Augusto Anno 1653  

Published by Mattheus Merian, Frankfurt, ca 1655.  

The Battle of Ter Heijde or the Battle of Scheveningen was fought in July 31 1653 (10 August according to the Gregorian calendar) off the Dutch coast between the Commonwealth of England and the United Provinces. This final battle resulted in both sides claiming a victory and eventually led to the 1654 Treaty of Westminster.  

The scene depicts the Dutch fleet under Maarten Tromp engrossed in heavy battle with the English fleet under George Monck. Although Tromp was killed early in the battle, his death was kept secret to keep up the morale of the Dutch. A legend along the bottom lists the commanders and ships marked on the view. 

Issued in Merian's "Theatrum Europaeum".

The Swiss-born Matthäus Merian (1593-1650) studied in Zurich and Paris before moving to Frankfurt, where he worked as an engraver, etcher and publisher. He lived in Basel, the city he was born in, for brief periods during his lifetime. This is a beautiful example of his work. 

Even age toning from having been framed.