Dutch fleet after the council-of-war, 8-18 August 1665, 1665 (graphite, grey wash)

Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Elder In this unsigned work, the Dutch fleet are shown hove-to or under easy sail in a light breeze. On the right is a port-quarter view of the 'Delfsland', de Ruyter's new ship. There is a pendant at the main. In the middle distance is a galjoot. The horizon is low. The Younger has, in brown ink, copied his father's writing in pencil, 'delfslant d vluegel af om d vlagh stock daer te brengen alsoo d Hr: staeten / uijt [?...hr...tromp] Tromp over ginen op den delfs Lant 1665 d 18 auguste sijnde dijnsdagh voor middagh' (the 'Delfland' with the pendant lowered to be replaced by the flagstaff when the Commissioners left Tromp to go on board the 'Delfsland' on Tuesday the 18 August 1665 in the forenoon - or morning). This work is related to a number of other drawings in the NMM's collection (see PAH9375, PAG6191, and PAG6192). These works continue the narrative of the events of 8-18 August 1665). Other drawings also belong to this same series, including the drawing of 'Admiral de Ruyter taking over the command of the Dutch fleet from Admiral Tromp, 18 August 1665' (inventory no. 1857,1222.13).