Kapitein Jan Solaas wordt tijdens de slag bij Kaap St. Vincent door de Ruyter ontzet, 1641 1850 - 1852

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print, sometime before his death in 1876, illustrating the rescue of Kapitein Jan Solaas by De Ruyter. The composition centers on the chaos of naval warfare, conveyed through dense arrangements of ships and turbulent waters. The stark contrasts in shading emphasize the dramatic intensity of the battle, where each ship is meticulously detailed, revealing a preoccupation with precision. Last’s work draws attention to the materiality of conflict, highlighting the structural elements of both ships and sea, using dense hatching to give form to the smoke, waves, and sails. Consider how Last uses a semiotic system of naval architecture and maritime incidents to create an allegory of Dutch naval power. This piece isn’t merely representational but also interprets themes of rescue, and strategic prowess, that collectively frame the Netherlands’ maritime identity. It serves as a visual and cultural artifact, continually reinterpreted through the lens of evolving national narratives.