19th Century Delt Tile Tableau: 12 Handpainted Tiles Depicting 1666 Dutch Naval Battle

Tile Tableau: 12 Delft Tiles depicting famous 1666 Dutch naval battle

The Tableau is composed of 12 hand-painted tiles which create a vivid scene of ships, sailors, flags and action in an historical sea battle. It has wonderful color, sense of motion (waves, wind, gunpowder) and beautifully painted details. (birds, uniforms, ship construction). There are at least ten warships and two longboats. Most of the ships have decorative symbols and full-flown rigging. One of the featured ships is that of Admiral Michael De Ruyters (De Ruiter), the name of which — VII Provincien (7 Provinces) — is shown in the coat of arms on the ship’s stern. The overall tile image is well composed and powerful, drawing the viewer into an important moment in Dutch naval history.

The Title of the Tableau reads: VIERCLAAGSCHE ZEESLA DE RUITTER TEGEN PRINS ROBERT EN MONK. 14-18 Juni. 1666.
( Four Pronged Sea Battle of the Knight against Prince Robert and Monk,
14-18 June, 1666)

The tiles were made In Utrecht at the end of the 19th or early 20th century. They were made at the Westraven factory, famous for its hand-painted polychromed tiles, both individual tiles and series. They also did historical scenes, including particular battles and ships. The Westraven tiles were highly collectable because of their color and detail.