The Dutch Fleet under Sail’ is believed to be a
depiction of the Dutch battle fleet prepared to set sail for the Medway and Sheerness
in 1667. This expedition commanded by Admiral De Ruyter resulted in a stunning
success. Much of the English navy was destroyed or captured. The Dutch ships
that took part in that attack are represented on this painting. At the right is
the Witte Olifant (built 1666) easily recognizable by a white elephant on her
stern. Further right is the Vrijheid (the Freedom, built 1651, blown up in
action 1676). To the left of the Witte Olifant is the Zeelandia with the coat
of arms of Zeelandia on her stern. The center of the painting is occupied by
the Gouden Leeuw (built 1666), with the image of a rampant golden lion on her
tafferel. In the left foreground is the Huis Tijdverdrijf. In the left
background the Zeven Provincien is seen. Her stern is decorated with the coat
of arms of the seven Provinces of the Republic.
The English whom the Dutch were at war with quite frequently
during this time gave their first rates and flagships grand names like Royal
Charles or Sovereign of the Sea.
The White Elephant was built in 1667 in anticipation of a
new war with the English. With 82 cannons it was heaviest class of ship in use
and became one of the flagships of the Dutch navy. Personally, I think it’s
hilarious the Admiralty of Amsterdam decided to call their newest and most
fearsome ship the white elephant.
Dimensions
Length of Gundeck 134′ 0″Amsterdam Feet 37.9354 (124′
5″ Imperial)
Breadth 29′ 0″Amsterdam Feet8.2099 (26′ 11″ Imperial)
Armament 1652Broadside Weight = 113 Dutch pound
(123.057 lbs 55.8333 kg)
Gun Deck 7 Dutch 12-Pounder
Gun Deck 7 Dutch 8-Pounder
Gun Deck 12 Dutch 6-Pounder
Gun Deck 2 Dutch 4-Pounder
Gun Deck 2 Dutch 3-Pounder
Commanding Officers
11.1652 – 1653Kapitein Sijbrant Janszoon
1654 – 2.1654KapiteinHeyn Claeszoon Catt
Service History
4.3.1652/53 Battle of Leghorn
26.3.1654 Took the Merchant Ship Saint George in the Mediterranean Sea
