The battle of Solebay, 28May/7 June 1672 was the opening battle of the third Anglo-Dutch War. De Ruyter attacked the combined English and French fleets as they lay in Southwold bay off the Suffolk coast. After a hotly contested battle, in which Sandwich’s flagship the 'Royal James' was burnt, the Dutch were driven off leaving the allied fleet so damaged that it was impossible to attempt the projected landing in Holland.

Van de Velde’s galjoot, starboard quarter view, is in the left foreground. Beyond is a stern view of the 'Pacificatie', flag at the foremast, pendant at the mizzen mast and a small flag on the ensign staff, according to the annotation 'Schram visdr / van noorthhollant' (Schram, vice-admiral of North Holland). To the right there is a port view of the 'Gideon', (de gedijon), in the middle distance a port bow view of the 'Groningen', Vice-Admiral Enno Doedes Star (Enno doedes visadr / van groeningen), and a port quarter view of the 'Wapen van Enkhuizen', Rear-Admiral David Vlugh (nort hollants schout bij nacht). In the far distance are the combined English and French (engelse armada franse). The left-hand side of the drawing has been cut and an inscription '…asanueres' probably refers to ships not shown. The drawing is unsigned.