Engraving of the commemorative medal and decoration of the Sea Battle of Doggersbank 1781, by Noach van der Meer

After an earlier print by Jacobus Buys.

Published in Beschrijving der Nederlandsche Historiepenningen in Amsterdam 1781

Dimensions under passe-partout: 272 x 202 mm
Dimensions including frame: 345 x 290 mm

Inscription at top:
Dees Scheeps kroon blyft, met Nereus zwier,
Nog voor den kruin der Batavier

The engraving shows a trophy surrounding the memorial medal, which was presented by the States General on November 30 to Rear Admiral Johan Zoutman and his fellow fighters after the victory in the naval battle at Dogger Bank on August 5, 1781.

The Dutch Republic recognised the independence of the American colonies from Great Britain in 1776. This led to a British declaration of war in 1780, a blockade of the Dutch coast and, ultimately, to the naval battle at the Dogger Bank in 1781. The Dutch fleet commander Johan Zoutman managed to repel the English attack in this conflict.