Eighty Years War (Dutch War of Independence) (1568-1648)
Contemporary prints and maps of the battles and sieges of the Eighty Years War
View of the Battle of the Downs, 1639 (The Downs, England) 51°14ʹ00ʺN 01°26ʹ00ʺE
1639 or laterEtching and engraving; printed on paper; mounted on paper (Mount Type B) | Scale: 1:156,000 approx. | RCIN 722143
A high oblique view of the naval Battle of the Downs, fought on 21 October 1639 between the Dutch fleet, commanded by Admiral Martin Harpertszoon Tromp (23 April 1598-10 August 1653) and Admiral Witte Corneliszoon de With (28 March 1599-8 November 1658), and the Spanish, commanded by Antonio de Oquendo (October 1577-7 June 1640), resulting in a Dutch victory. Eighty Years War (1568-1648). Oriented with west to top (cardinal points).
This print shows the disposition of the Dutch and Spanish fleets sometime before the Battle of the Downs commenced. There is no explanation to the numbers which appear on the view but, since these are all placed in the sea areas, it is possible that they represent some measure of the depth of the sea at that point.
Cornelis Danckerts I (c. 1603-1656) (publisher) [bottom, left of centre:] Tot Amsterdam. by Corn. Dankertss.
Subject(s)
Navy-SpainNavy-NetherlandsMartin Harpertszoon Tromp, Adm/Holland and Westfriesland (1598-1653)Watermark: Map: fleur-de-lys in crowned shield, the letters P R below. Mount: none.
Condition: one fold line; pressure marks to verso
Scale: 1:156,000 approx. Scale bar: Een Duytsche Myle [49 mm =].
24.6 x 32.7 cm (image and sheet)
cropped (platemark)
26.6 x 37.7 cm (mount)
Printed title:
Afbeeldinge van de besettinge der Spaensghe=vloot, Door den E: Admirael Tromp in Duijns [top, in long rectangular panel]
Additional text:
[bottom left, in simple cartouche, a key, A-I, K, to the Spanish, Dutch, English and French ships shown in the view/map:] Verclaringe der A.B.C. letteren in dit Caertjen
Annotations:
George III heading: Naval Engagement in the Downs 21 Oct.r 1639.
Other annotations: (Recto) [bottom left, black pencil:] III[/?]. (Verso) none.
George III catalogue entry:
Naval Engagement Afbeeldinghe van de besettinge der Spaensghe vloot door den E. Admirael Tromp in Duins (21 Oct.ris 1639) by Corn. Dankertss.
Subject(s)
The Downs, England (51°14ʹ00ʺN 01°26ʹ00ʺE)
Page revisions
25 May 2024
Current version
