Prints

A scarce engraving of a naval battle between the Dutch and the Portuguese ships off the coast of Bantam on the Island of Java which took place towards the end of 1601. The upper right shows parts of Sumatra and the Straits of Sunda. This engraving is based on an earlier work by Johannes Everardus van Cloppenburch which was published as a large print in 1603. It was regarded as an important picture as it showed the defeat of the Portuguese and symbolysed the naval supremacy of the Dutch in this part of the world. In 1605 the Dutch VOC established it first foothold in the East Indies when it took the Island of Amboina.

View of Bantam with the attack on the Portuguese fleet in 1601: depicted is the victory of Admiral Wolfert Harmensz. and his 5 ships over 30 Portuguese vessels before Bantam. The vessels in the foreground are flying the following flags: Dutch tricolour, flag bearing a madonna, flags with a Maltese cross and flags with a St Andrew's cross.