Victory over the Spanish near Gibraltar by a Fleet Commanded by Admiral Jacob van Heemskerck, 25 April 1607 1617

Adam Willaerts painted this scene of the Dutch victory over the Spanish fleet near Gibraltar, in the early 17th century. The painting shows the battle itself, but also the land and the assembled Dutch forces, in a compositional style typical of its time. The image is rich in visual and historical codes. It was made in the Netherlands, during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of unprecedented economic and cultural flourishing, following their independence from Spain. Paintings such as these played a crucial role in shaping national identity and celebrating Dutch power on the world stage. Naval power was closely tied to trade, and Dutch merchants established global trade routes which challenged existing colonial powers such as Spain. Institutions such as the Dutch East India Company used images like this one to promote the spirit of enterprise and adventure. Understanding this painting fully requires attention to social, economic and political contexts. By researching archives, historical documents and contemporary accounts, we can fully understand the complex interplay between art, power, and national identity in the Dutch Golden Age.