Naval Encounter between Dutch and Spanish Warships

The painting depicts an intense naval engagement, characteristic of Dutch battles against Spain during the long Dutch Revolt. It does not appear to represent an actual battle scene but seems to be a nautical metaphor celebrating the victory of the Dutch people over their enemy.

The original painting was cut in half to form two separate works. After the two panels were conserved in 2009-10, they were brought together to reestablish the original appearance of Verbeeck’s work.