A grand sea battle scene between the famous Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter and the combined navies of the English and French. The battle takes place in the Mediterranean, near Sicily. The sea is literally filled with ships; 46 are identified in the table beneath the scene. Mt. Etna is visible in the background. Lord M. de Ruyter was a famous admiral of the Dutch navy, who spent much of his life fighting the Spanish in the 80-years war, the Barbary pirates, and finally the English and French. This was his final battle, as he was mortally wounded and died a week later. Beautifully engraved and colored.

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Condition: A

Excellent impression. A little light toning and a marginal blue smudge, still very good.