The Battle of Lowestoft, 3 June 1665, Showing HMS 'Royal Charles' and the 'Eendracht', mid-17th...

Creator: Hendrik van Minderhout In this fleet engagement of the Second Dutch War, 1665-67, the Dutch were defeated, losing about 30 ships. This was the first fleet action of the Second Dutch War and the only one during the first year. Both sides had over a 100 sail and the action began at 3.30 a.m and continued until 7.00 p.m, by which time the Dutch were routed and in flight, leaving 17 ships sunk or captured. The left foreground is occupied by the duelling flagships of the two commanders-in-chief. On the left, starboard-quarter view, is the 'Royal Charles', 82 guns, with the Duke of York on board. The Royal crest is visible carved on her stern, and a small boat is connected to the ship by a rope held by two men. Men are depicted working in the rigging. In very close action on her starboard side is the 'Eendracht', 76 guns. It blew up soon afterwards, killing her admiral, Lieutenant-Admiral Jan van Wassenaer Heer van Obdam, and all but five of her crew. The carved lion on her stern is depicted, and she flies the Dutch flag. This is a late Flemish school painting, presumably done shortly after the action, and is inaccurate since the English flagship has been given a Dutch stern, with a square tuck and gallery.