Ships in Torbay

A painting by the Dutch artist Abraham Storck (1644-1708) titled Ships in Torbay. On the 5th of November 1688, Stadhouder Willem III of the Netherlands and his wife Mary Stuart II invade the British mainland to dispose of King James II of England, Mary’s Father. This Invasion force will later be named the Glorious Revolution. Abraham Storck was a well known Marine painter during the time and created this painting of one of the most unworthy sea battles of his time as there was none. The invading force made up of hired soldiers reached the mainland without any opposition of the English fleet. Interesting to note is the galley in the front, a very unusual ship for navigating in rough north western seas of Europe. The galley symbolises the mercenary troops from Mediterranean countries that William brought with him to England. The locality of this scene was confirmed by the square lighthouse on the mountain, which one stood at the entrance of the Torbay Harbour. This painting was originally attributed to Ludolf von Bakhuizen but when restored in 2008, removal of old restoration brought out the signature “A Storck (Fecit)” in the lower left corner on a beam drifting in the sea.