Sesimbra.1602 - A drawing of ships in a body of water
Zusammenfassung
A view of the taking by the English of a Portuguese galleon or carrick during the Battle of Sesimbra Bay, fought on 3 June 1602 between the English navy, commanded by Sir Richard Leveson and the Spanish, commanded by Federico Spinola, resulting in an English victory. Anglo-Spanish War (1585-1604).
This view shows the English ship, left of centre, firing at the Portuguese vessel to the right. The Portuguese ship, which appears to be flying a Spanish flag, is a carrack –an ocean-going three or four-masted ship – which has lost its foremast in the attack. Hondius has signed his name beginning with the monogram ‘Hh’ which is recorded in Nagler, Vol.3 (1863) under entry 1034, p.380.
A short mention of the event can be found in the Cecil Papers: 20 July 1602 ‘Letters from Spain confirm the news of the capture by Englishmen of the Portuguese galleon coming from the Indies with more than a million and a half. They have also sunk two other vessels ‘alla bocca di Lisbona’. 30 Jul-9 Aug: From England, we hear that the Portuguese carrack has arrived, and is a very rich prize.
This print may be based on a painting dated 1602 by Hendrick Cornelisz. Vroom, to which it bears a strong resemblance, entitled Attack on Spanish Treasure Galleys, Portugal (Government Art Collection number 6501).
Hendrick Cornelisz Vroom was a Dutch painter who lived between 1562 and 1640. He was born in Haarlem, the son of a sea captain, and spent much of his life painting maritime scenes. Vroom's works are known for their attention to detail and realistic depictions of ships and seascapes. He was also adept at capturing the drama and excitement of sea battles. Vroom's paintings were highly sought after during his lifetime and continue to be admired by art lovers today. Some of his most famous works include 'The Arrival of Prince Maurice at the Meuse' and 'The Battle of Gibraltar'.