The Battle of Texel, 11 August 1673, 1685 (oil on canvas)

Creator: Ludolf Bakhuizen This painting probably relates to the Battle of Texel. This was the last fleet action of the Dutch Wars, and the last attempt of the Anglo-French fleet to destroy the Dutch and make way for a seaborne invasion of Holland. No major unit was lost on either side. Although there are some inaccuracies in the painting, it relates to the moment when a British ship has lost her mast. The ship could either be the 'Charles', 96 guns, under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir John Chicheley, commander of the red squadron, or the 'Royal Prince', 100 guns, under Admiral, Sir Edward Spragge who commanded the blue squadron. The ship flies the red ensign and erroneously flies a Union flag. The inaccuracy of date and depiction may be the fault of the artist or the result of later over-painting. The listing ship to the far left, suggests the British 'Royal Sovereign', 100 guns, the flagship of the Admiral and Commander-in-Chief, Prince Rupert.