Burning of the English Fleet near Chatham (19-24 June 1667) 1667 - 1678

Willem Schellinks painted "Burning of the English Fleet near Chatham" using oil on canvas. The painting depicts the Dutch raid on the English fleet in 1667, a pivotal moment in the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Schellinks doesn't just show a naval battle, he captures a moment of national pride and shifting power dynamics. During the 17th century, naval power was closely linked to national identity, economic strength, and global influence. The Dutch victory challenged English naval supremacy, asserting the Netherlands as a major maritime power. Schellinks’ painting captures the heat of the moment – literally – with billowing smoke and a sense of destruction. This wasn't just a military victory, it was a bold statement of Dutch identity and power on the world stage. The painting serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between national identity, military power, and artistic expression in shaping historical narratives.