Captain Jan Danielsz van Rijn’s Cup, anonymous, 1668
An important role was reserved for fireships to torch enemy vessels during the Battle of Medway. Fireships were also crucial for breaking through the barrier chain spanning the River Medway. Portrayed on the cup are the fireships Vreede and Pro Patria, and the English vessel Unity (‘Eunete’). Van Rijn commanded the Pro Patria, which was the first to break through the chain.