The Four Days’ Battle, 1–4 June 1666, was one of several engagements in the North Sea during the second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-7) and was the first test of the Dutch fleet newly fitted out under the command of Lieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. The English fleet under the Earl of Albemarle was divided in attempting to hold off the French so that on the first two days the Dutch severely handled Albemarle’s weakened force. On the third day the English were again united by Prince Rupert’s return from the westward and a serious defeat was avoided, both fleets having to return home to refit.

This drawing is a rapid panoramic sketch that, according to Robinson, has every appearance of having been done at sea. It shows the surrender of the ‘Royal Prince’, the flagship of the white squadron under Admiral Sir George Ayscue, on 3 June. The ‘Royal Prince’ is shown ashore on the extreme right in port quarter view, with a galjoot under her stern. To the windward Cornelis Tromp flies his flag in Sweers’ ship ‘Gouda’, with the rest of the fleets (‘de onde vloet’) in the right background. Prince Rupert’s squadron can be seen coming up on the left horizon.