17th-century Marine Battle Painting, Isaac Sailmaker (Circle), an English Warship Engaging Barbary Corsairs

This large and imposing late 17th-century oil painting depicts several British ships defeating the notorious Barbary Corsairs.

Amid the smoke, burning wreckage and carnage of a sinking pirate ship, the British ensign flutters triumphantly, as a small crew approaches to imprison survivors. It’s a particularly rose-tinted portrayal of one of the many grisly battles occurring with a formidable enemy at this time.

The Barbary Corsairs were predominantly based in the North African ports of Tripoli, Tunis and Algiers, and frequently undertook raids against Europe, capturing thousands of slaves. They were comprised of both local and international privateers, including Britons. One such raid, in 1645, saw them overwhelm the Cornish coastline and return with 240 villagers.

They relied upon guile, expertise, speed and deception, often sailing under false colours when approaching merchant ships. Throughout the 17th century, they were a terrifying prospect.

Following the restoration of Charles II in 1660, the King instructed the Royal Navy to mount an extended campaign against this long-standing foe, which was both bloody and costly. He appointed his brother, James (Duke of York, later James II), as Lord High Admiral. However, it took until 1830 for the threat to be removed.

Somewhat prematurely, in 1675, he commissioned the father and son duo of Willem van de Velde the Elder (1610/11-1693) and Willem van de Velde the Younger (1633 (baptised)-1707), to paint several battle scenes, including those fought with the Barbary Corsairs. Of course, one would only wish to view a terrific victory, rather than the brutal cost to both sides.

Marine artists working in Britain at this time were undoubtedly inspired by the van de Veldes and produced numerous portrayals in their style. One such artist, Dutch-born Isaac Sailmaker (1633-1721), was considered the “father of British sea painting”, and we can see his influence in the handling here.

Held in a later frame.

We've drafted a blog article to accompany this piece, which describes how it might have been for a marine artist working at this time.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 63½” x 43½” / 162cm x 103cm

Year of creation: c. 1690

Provenance: Private collection, UK.

Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Faint stretcher mark. Craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Later stretcher. Age-related thinning in areas. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.

Our reference: BRV2205