An interpretation of an action during the First Dutch War. It depicts a Dutch ship, the 'Amelia', engaged in action with British ships. The increasing conflict of trade interests between England and the Netherlands in the first half of the 17th century made armed conflict likely. The English claimed the right to search Dutch ships for French goods and in essence to control the English Channel, while the Dutch wanted the right to use the Channel. The first clash came in 1652 at Dover. The English strategy in the First Dutch War centred on the need both to control the English Channel and Dutch coasts and to impose a blockade. Furthermore they needed to cut Dutch trade and rely on economic pressure to secure a settlement.

The decoratively carved stern of the 'Amelia' is visible in the centre of the painting, firing at the English ship to the right. In the left foreground another ship displays an ornately carved stern with a crest. Other ships involved in the action have been positioned in the background.