(Updated, february 2017) This ship portrait depicts the ‘Santa Michael’ from the starboard quarter. She is seen before the wind, under fore course, mizzen and fore and main topsails. The ensign of Flanders, identified by its crossed ragged staves, is visible at the stern of the boat. On the tafferel is a figure of St Michael holding a sword and shield. Immediately beneath is an inscription: SANCTE MICHAL. This translates as 'St Michael' and why the drawing has acquired 'Santa' in the received title is not clear.

There is a comparable drawing in the Boymans Museum, Rotterdam (see MB1866/ T 400) which probably shows one of Prince Rupert’s ships at Hellevoetsluis in 1648/9.

This is a drawing in which, after several attempts, the artist has still failed to get the right shape to the bow or the right steeve to the bowsprit. The sails, especially the fore topsail, shaking in the lee of the well-filled topsail, are accurately drawn. Since they are drawn onto a different piece of paper, it is possible that they were added some years later. The drawing was later used for a painting, dated 1677, of an unidentified action between an English Indiaman and three Dunkirkers (in the Royal Collection).