An unusually long-format painting showing a fight between Dutch ships and others which, though the flags are unclear, appear to be Spaniards (i.e. Catholic) from the figures of saints on their tafferels (stern boards). It may have been for an over-door or similar position. While its received attribution is to Andries Van Eertvelt, 1590-1652, and the ships are certainly of the early to mid-17th century the style is not convincingly his, being rather less mannered but also of very good quality. The capriccio coastline with a tower to the left, the rather pastel colour tone and the style of the sky may suggest an Italian influence, while the bold and slightly loose brushwork and realism of the figures in the boat at right centre are not characteristic of Eertvelt. While undoubtedly a Netherlandish hand of the mid-17th century, its certain authorship is an intriguing puzzle waiting for a solution. [PvdM 7/17]