The Brederode off Vlieland

An astounding 347 war and merchant ships embarked on a defiant and historic expedition under the command of Admiral Witte de With in 1645. We know the convoy sailed from Holland to the Scandinavian Sound, a strait separating the North Sea from the Baltic. With this show of force, the Dutch Republic stood resolute against the Danish king, who had imposed heavy tolls on ships passing through the Sound. Here, Van de Velde records the departure of the convoy from the island of Vlieland. He uses pen and ink on white prepared panel, a special technique called “pen painting.” The Brederode –  Holland’s newest and largest warship, equipped with 59 guns – dominates the scene. Its imposing scale and ornate stern decoration set it apart from the smaller merchant ships in the distance.