Gibraltar, Spain, Algeciras, Naval Battle,Orlers, 1610, Baya de Gibraltar

17th-century copper engraving showing a dramatic view of the Battle of Gibraltar of 25 April 1607, one of the most decisive naval engagements of the Eighty Years’ War between the Low Countries and Spain.

The scene shows the Spanish fleet at anchor in the Bay of Gibraltar caught by surprise and overwhelmed by a Dutch squadron in a ferocious close-quarters assault that culminated in the complete destruction of the Spanish force within a matter of hours.

The image captures the bay at the height of combat, with densely packed warships firing at point-blank range amid billowing clouds of cannon smoke. The Spanish flagship and vice-flagship are shown encircled by Dutch vessels, emphasizing the tactical encirclement that sealed their fate. Coastal fortifications and the town of Gibraltar appear at right, their artillery engaging the attackers, while the mountainous hinterland frames the harbor beyond.

Historically, the battle marked a major psychological and strategic victory for the Dutch Republic. Commanded by Jacob van Heemskerck, the Dutch fleet annihilated the Spanish squadron under Don Juan Álvarez de Ávila, despite the Spanish ships being protected by shore batteries. Van Heemskerck himself was killed during the engagement, but his victory demonstrated Dutch naval superiority and dealt a severe blow to Spanish prestige at sea.

Published in 1610 in Leiden (Netherlands) by J.J. Orlers in ´Den Nassauschen Lauren-Crans: Beschrijvinghe ende af-beeldinge van alle de victorien ... die Godt Almachtich de ... Staten der Vereenichde Nederlanden verleent heeft, deur het wijs ende clouck beleyt des Hooch-ghebooren Fursts Maurits van Nassau´

Very good condition. One small closed hole in the upper right corner of the image with minimal impact on the image, otherwise excellent. Crisp and clean paper. Wide margins.

Image 23x34cm, page 31,5x37cm