A representation of Vice-Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, 5th Baronet’s engagement with the Dutch in the North Sea during the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War (which was related to the American Revolutionary War). Though the two squadrons were well-matched both numerically and in terms of firepower, the Dutch ships were in better condition, and several hours’ close combat resulted in high, and approximately comparable, rates of casualties. Both Britain and the Netherlands claimed to have won the battle, but as the Dutch never again left harbour during the remainder of the war, it has historically been classed as a strategic British victory. Parker, famously, met George III on his return arrival at the Nore and resigned his command, telling the king: “I wish Your Majesty better ships and younger officers. As for myself, I am now too old for the service”.

Five of Parker’s fleet are shown flying British colours in port-quarter view, with their Dutch opponents for the most part ahead of them and obscured in the background. From left to right, the British ships would appear to be arranged as follows: ‘Dolphin’, ‘Buffalo’, Parker’s flagship ‘Fortitude’, ‘Princess Amelia’ and ‘Berwick’.

Inscribed: “To Hyde Parker Esqr. Vice Admiral of the Blue Squadron of His Majesty’s Fleet. This Representation of the Action between the Squadron of Ships under his Command & a Dutch Squadron Commanded by Rear Admiral Zoutman, on the 5th August 1781, on the Dogger Bank. Is (by Permission) most humbly Inscribed by his most obedient humble Servant, Richard Paton”; with details of the British and Dutch fleets to left and right respectively.