Portrait of a French two-decker
Image information
Portrait of a French two-decker
A ship of about 70-guns, mounting on the broadside fifteen guns on the gun deck, fourteen on the upper deck, three on the forecastle and five on the quarterdeck. It is viewed from slightly before the starboard beam, lying at anchor, saluting with small arms. The decks are crowded with people. There is also a boat on a spar deck in the waist, a lion figurehead, and three fleurs-de-lis on a shield amidst arms and trophies over the quarter gallery. The break of the quarterdeck and the upper works are also covered with fleurs-de-lis.
This is one of a group of French ships drawn in the summer of 1673 when van de Velde visited the fleet while it was refitting after the first battle of Schooneveld. Robinson lists possibilities but suggests (based on the early watermark) that it maybe the 'Saint Philippe', 78-guns, which fought at Solebay (1672) but did not take part in the battles of 1673.
This offset is one of a similar group of four, PAH9359, PAH3897, and PAH1825. It is not rubbed on the back and is inscribed in a later hand 'Vandervelde'.
Willem van de Velde, the Elder
Original size: 297 mm x 683 mm
- Image reference: PY3898
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
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