Lyk-statie van den Heere Michiel de Ruyter

Title

Lyk-statie van den Heere Michiel de Ruyter

The illustration shows the funeral and the funeral procession of Michiel de Ruyter on 18 March 1677 in front of the Royal Palace Amsterdam. With a title banner and an index (1-46) of the members of the funeral procession. After Jan Luyken (1649-1712)

ca. 1687

Artist

Stoopendael (1637-1693)

Historical Description

De Ruyter was a Dutch admiral known for his bravery, strategic brilliance, and his crucial role in the naval wars of the 17th century — especially during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. He was considered modest, disciplined, and close to the common people — highly respected in the Dutch Republic. He led the famous Raid on the Medway (1667), in which the Dutch fleet advanced as far as London and destroyed the English fleet in its own harbor — a humiliating blow to England. He served as commander-in-chief of the Dutch navy in several naval wars against both England and France. On March 18, 1677, he was severely wounded in the Battle of Augusta (near Syracuse, Sicily). The battle was part of the Franco-Dutch War, during which De Ruyter fought alongside Spain against France. He died from his injuries aboard his flagship, the Eendracht — his death was a great loss for the Netherlands.