In the early summer of 1673, in the second year of the third Anglo-Dutch War (1672-74), the combined English and French fleets under Prince Rupert lay for several weeks off the Dutch coast, in an effort to entice the Dutch commander Michiel de Ruyter to a battle on disadvantageous terms. Twice, however, De Ruyter came out in his own time, and although both engagements were indecisive, the Allied fleet was eventually forced to return to the Thames to refit.

Van de Velde the Elder had come to England in the autumn of 1672 and Schooneveld was the first battle he represented from the English side, for which he was provided with a ketch to accompany the fleet. This drawing is a panoramic view of the action in the afternoon of 28 May, the wind blowing from the left. It is inscribed with identifications of the protagonists. In the middle distance is De Ruyter (‘ruijter’) in the ‘Zeven Provincien’, shown in bow view, followed approximately in line abreast by Aert van Nes (‘visdr van nes’) in the ‘Eendracht’, Jan van Nes (‘Jan van nes’) in the ‘Maagd van Dordrecht’ and De Liefde (‘liefde’) in the ‘Vriheid’. In the right half is Lieutenant-Admiral Banckert (‘banckert’) in the ‘Walcheren’, with Vice-Admiral Evertsen (‘vidr everts’) in the ‘Zierikzee’ astern of him, running down to engage Spragge (‘spragg’) in the ‘Royal Prince’, who is laid aback waiting for him. To leeward of Spragge are the ‘Wapen van Enkhuizen’ under David Vlugh, incorrectly identified as Mathijszen (‘Jan … ijsen’), and Vice-Admiral Kempthorne (‘kenthoorn’) in the ‘St. Andrew’. In the extreme left background are Prince Rupert (‘prins robbert’) in the ‘Royal Charles’, Vice-Admiral Schram (incorrectly inscribed ‘sweers’) in the ‘Pacificatie’, Lieutenant-Admiral Tromp (‘tromp’) in the ‘Gouden Leeuw’, and Jan de Haen (‘de haen’) in the ‘Hollandia’. In the left foreground are the French flagship ‘La Reine’ (‘f visd’) in bow view, and the ‘St. Michael’ (‘me Lord hosserij’) in port quarter view. In the centre can be seen Van de Velde in his ketch (‘van de velde kidts’) and a ship flying a French jack and an English ensign. To the left a French ship is sinking.

This drawing, almost certainly made after the battle, was used as the basis for the grisaille of 1684, in the NMM collection (BHC0305).