The sea was of crucial importance for the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands in the 17th century. The merchant ships brought great wealth while the fisheries fed hundreds of thousands of mouths. The navy kept the seas safe and protected the country from invasion, and consequently its admirals and naval officers enjoyed a high status. The memory of these sea heroes has been kept alive through impressive paintings, prints, drawings and memorabilia. But what is the story behind these objects? How and why were they made and what do they really show? This book gives fascinating insights into Dutch maritime history. Read all about the great naval battles of the Dutch Golden Age and the people they made famous: heroes like Jacob van Heemskerck, Piet Hein, Maerten and Cornelis Tromp and Michiel de Ruyter, but also artists like Hendrick Vroom, Willem van de Velde the Elder and the Younger, and Ludolf Backhuysen.