Battle of Gibraltar in 1607
A Spanish flagship is hit amidships by a smaller Dutch warship. It explodes in the middle of the Bay of Gibraltar. 25 April 1607: this is the first sea battle the Dutch fleet fights out with the Spanish beyond their own waters. It meets with great success. The Spanish losses are extensive: Spanish soldiers are catapulted into the air and drown in the sea. The painting is thus also meant to celebrate this spectacular Dutch victory.