Admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (1607-1676)

Admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (1607-1676), naval action with the Dutch, 1666, struck silver medal, by Christoffel Adolfszoon, armoured bust of de Ruyter turned slightly left, wearing Collar and Badge of of the Order of St. Michael, a mantle tied at the shoulder, MICHAEL DE RVITER PROVINCIARVM CONFOEDERAT …, rev., a naval engagement with, to the front, a dismasted ship on fire, a small boat alongside, in ex. PVGNANDO, 70mm (MI 522/169; Eim. 239; vL III, 176; MH 568). A superb example with extraordinary detail in the reverse design, good extremely fine and very rare.

Issued following his success in the Four Days Battle fought in June 1666. The obverse image is taken from the portrait by Ferdinand Bol, painted after the action.

Provenance: Sotheby Auction, 3 May, 2001 (lot 793).