Baron Willem Joseph van Ghent, 1626-72 RMG BHC3869

Baron Willem Joseph van Ghent, 1626-72
This is thought to be an 18th-century copy after Jan de Baen of this Dutch 17th-century flag officer. He is shown in, three-quarter length, facing right, in armour with his left hand resting on his hip. In his right hand he holds either a telescope or a commander's baton. He wears his sword to his left, and to the right a medallion. His plumed helmet has been placed behind him. To the right, beyond the swags of material, is a seascape with ships, denoting the sitter's naval history. He was given command of the fleet following the St James's Day Fight in 1666. In 1667, under de Ruyter, van Ghent commanded the attack on the Medway, briefly capturing Sheerness. At the first fleet action of the Third Dutch War, at Solebay on 28 May 1672, he was killed while in command of the Dutch rear squadron.

Baron Willem Joseph van Ghent, 1626-72