Jan Theunisz. Blanckerhoff: Battle on the Zuiderzee, October 11, 1573 (1663)
(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
This
painting shows a very important Dutch victory during the Dutch war of
Independence (1568-1648). After the capture of Brielle on April 1, 1572 by
Dutch forces most of the cities in West-Holland choose the side of the Dutch
rebels except Amsterdam. During the Spanish counter-offensive to retake the
lost territory, the support of Amsterdam proved to be very important for the
Spanish army. When Haarlem was finally captured after an epic siege of about 8
months the Dutch rebellion seemed to collapse. The Spanish army went to besiege
Alkmaar in order to crush the Dutch rebellion. On the Zuiderzee Dutch ships
could disturb the Spanish supply routes to Amsterdam. After the capture of
Haarlem, the Spanish sent Maximilien de Hénin-Liétard, Count of Boussu with a
fleet of 30 ships to search and destroy the Dutch ships. Opposing him was a
Dutch fleet of about 25 ships, commanded by Cornelis Dirkszoon - mayor of
Monnickendam. After a series of skirmishes the two fleets finally attacked each
other near Hoorn. Because the Spanish ships were better armed the Dutch
ships attempted to board their enemy.
During the battle, the Spanish flagship, The Inquisition, ran aground and was
boarded by the Dutch. After an epic fight, Maximilien de Hénin-Liétard, Count
of Boussu surrendered to the Dutch and the remaining Spanish ships fled. After
this lost battle and the failed Siege of Alkmaar, the campaign of the Spanish
to retake the rebel cities was a failure. Amsterdam changed sides soon after
this. Alva, the Spanish commander was recalled and The Netherlands had taken
their first big step toward independence. The painting shows Spanish flagship
in the middle being attack from all sides. Hoorn can be seen in the background.
This painting is from 1663.