Willaerts, Adam – De overwinning op de Spanjaarden bij Gibraltar door een vloot onder bevel van admiraal Jacob van Heemskerck, 25 april 1607, 1639 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The canvas presents a maritime engagement unfolding in a turbulent seascape. A substantial fleet dominates the composition, its vessels arrayed across the middle ground and extending into the distance. The ships are rendered with considerable detail, showcasing their intricate rigging and elaborate ornamentation – a hallmark of naval power projection during this period. Smoke billows from several locations, indicating active combat; these plumes obscure portions of the scene, adding a sense of chaos and immediacy to the depiction.
The artist has positioned a rocky promontory on the right side of the painting, crowned with fortifications that appear to be under duress. This landmass serves as a backdrop for the naval battle, anchoring the composition and providing a visual reference point within the vastness of the sea. The fort’s presence suggests a strategic location contested by opposing forces.
Numerous smaller boats are scattered across the foreground, filled with figures engaged in what appears to be rescue or salvage operations. These vessels contribute to the overall sense of disorder and highlight the human cost associated with warfare at sea. The choppy water, rendered with visible brushstrokes, further emphasizes the precariousness of the situation and the unpredictable nature of naval conflict.
The color palette is dominated by muted tones – grays, browns, and blues – which evoke a somber atmosphere appropriate for a scene of battle. However, flashes of white from sails and flags punctuate this subdued scheme, drawing the viewers eye to key elements within the composition. The artist’s use of light and shadow creates depth and volume, enhancing the realism of the depiction.
Subtly embedded within the narrative is an assertion of Dutch naval dominance. The scale and arrangement of the fleet suggest a decisive victory; the enemy fortifications appear vulnerable, while the Dutch vessels maintain their formation and apparent control of the waters. This visual hierarchy reinforces a nationalistic sentiment – a celebration of maritime prowess and colonial ambition. The painting likely served as both a historical record and a piece of propaganda, intended to bolster morale and legitimize Dutch power in the region.