Holme's attack on the Smyrna Fleet, 12 March 1672

This provocative and well sustained action by a small squadron under Sir Robert Holmes and Sir Frescheville Holles against the Dutch Smyna convoy returning from the Mediterranean launched the Third Dutch War. The drawing is heavily annotated by a Dutch hand with details of the first day of the battle. It combines topographical accuracy with cartographic accuracy. The double portrait of Holmes and Holles by Sir Peter Lely is in the Museum's collection and probably commemorates the action.

Object Details

ID: PAF5525
Collection: Fine art
Type: Drawing
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Netherlandish School, 17th century
Date made: circa 1672
People: British Fleet; Smyrna Fleet Netherlandish School, 17th century
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Sheet: 194 x 303 mm; Mount: 406 mm x 555 mm