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Launch of fireships against the Spanish Armada, 7 August 1588, c.1590 (oil on canvas)
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Launch of fireships against the Spanish Armada, 7 August 1588, c.1590 (oil on canvas)
7337603 Launch of fireships against the Spanish Armada, 7 August 1588, c.1590 (oil on canvas) by Anthonisz, Aert (c.1579/80-1620); 112x186 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Aert Anthonisz
A contemporary Flemish interpretation of the launching of English fire-ships against the Spanish Armada. As Spain and England were in conflict, English piracy against Spanish ships was a continuing grievance for Philip II. The English were aware that Spain was amassing a fleet so, by the mid-1580s, it had reconstructed its own fleet to meet the threat. In the summer of 1588, England knew the Armada was on its way and knew its exact size and firepower. The 'battle' of the Armada was in reality a series of inconclusive engagements during which the Spanish fleet struggled up the English Channel. This campaign was the first occasion at which the great gun played the chief part in naval warfare. Although, the English captured three flagships, their success was not decisive and the Duke of Medina Sidonia, in charge of the Spanish fleet, arrived safely at Calais with his fleet not seriously depleted. On the night of 7 August Sir Francis Drake, second in command of the English fleet, sent in eight small ships packed with inflammables, known as fire-ships. They were set alight amongst the anchored Spanish fleet which caused great confusion, forcing the Spanish ships to cut their cables in order to save themselves. They never regained their anchorage. When storms swept the Spanish into the North Sea, they were scattered round the Scottish coast, and many ended up wrecked off Northern Ireland. This painting of an imagined scene shows the fire-ships running down on the Spanish fleet, with the English fleet following, although this did not happen. In the left foreground is a Spanish flagship engaged with an English vessel on her starboard side which, in turn, is engaged with a galleass on her port quarter. An English ship is running down on them from the right. Painted in about 1590, it is part of the Caird collection and was presented to the National Maritime Museum in 1938.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38287990
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The painting "Launch of fireships against the Spanish Armada, 7 August 1588" by Aert Anthonisz captures a pivotal moment in history when England defended itself against the mighty Spanish fleet. As tensions between Spain and England escalated, English piracy became a thorn in Philip II's side, leading to the eventual confrontation known as the Spanish Armada.
In this dramatic scene, we see English fire-ships setting ablaze amongst the anchored Spanish fleet, causing chaos and forcing them to cut their cables to escape. The Duke of Medina Sidonia's fleet was left scattered and many ships ended up wrecked off Northern Ireland.
This painting beautifully depicts an imagined moment during this historic event, with English ships engaging with the Spanish flagship amidst fiery chaos. The use of fire-ships was a strategic move that ultimately helped turn the tide in favor of England.
Painted around 1590, this artwork is part of the Caird collection at the National Maritime Museum in London. It serves as a reminder of England's resilience and ingenuity in facing one of its greatest naval threats. The intricate details and vivid colors bring this historical moment to life for viewers to appreciate and reflect upon centuries later.
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