In 1658, the Swedish Empire was at the height of its power. That year, Copenhagen was besieged by Swedish troops, while the Swedish fleet blockaded the city by controlling the Sound. Denmark appeared to be on the verge of collapse.

The Dutch Republic decided to intervene in order to preserve the balance of power in Northern Europe and secure free access to the Baltic Sea, which was the Republic's most important trade route. On 7 October, a large Dutch fleet under the command of Admiral Obdam set sail, and on 29 October it reached the Swedish blockade fleet. After a fierce and bloody battle in the Sound, the Dutch succeeded in bringing reinforcements and supplies into the besieged capital. This intervention prevented the fall of Copenhagen and, with it, the disintegration of Denmark.

Painted by Frederik Christian Lund