Plate 15 of the print series 'Episodes Maritimes.' Stern and starboard-side views of a French ship of the line and the dismasted Spanish ship, the 'San Antonio de Napoles,' during the Battle of Palermo on June 2, 1676 of the Franco-Dutch War. In the right foreground, black smoke engulfs part of the deck of the French ship. Beside the ornately decorated stern of the French ship, soldiers rescue men who have fallen overboard. In the center, the Spanish ship has caught on fire and many quickly disembark the ship to a boat.
The battle was between French forces sent to aid in a revolt against Spanish rule in Messina. The Spanish, although allied by the Dutch, were not a match against the larger and more powerful French fleet. The Dutch and Spanish suffered heavy losses, including Admiral general de Ruyter.
