The Dutch Indiamen attempting to sail out of Hjelte fiord, 25 August [OS]/4 September 1665. The drawing is one of a series made when the Elder accompanied de Ruyter’s voyage to Bergen in the Autumn of 1665. This took place soon after de Ruyter’s return from the West Indies when he was chosen as commander-in-chief of the Dutch fleet. He went out in the frigate ‘Schiedam’ to join the fleet and Cornelis Tromp handed over his command to him. The reorganized fleet sailed northwards to meet the returning East Indiamen. The English found them first, but refused to destroy them at Bergen and de Ruyter was able to escort them home from there, although many were captured after they had been dispersed by a gale.

The view is from ahead of the ships sailing down the fjord with rocky shores on either side. In the centre middle distance there is a view of the Indiaman ‘Fenix’ which had taken part in the action at Bergen in August 1665. She is identified by an inscription below ‘de fenickse visadr burchorst’.

Charles Gore has modified the drawing with pen-work and wash.