A historical painting by Francisco de Zurbarán depicting the 1625 defence of Cadiz, featuring military commanders in the foreground and a naval battle beyond.

Francisco de Zurbarán painted The Defence of Cadiz against the English in 1634 for the Hall of Realms in the Buen Retiro Palace, Madrid. This large-scale work commemorates the successful Spanish repulsion of an English naval assault on the city of Cadiz in 1625. The composition is divided into two distinct zones: a foreground featuring military commanders and a background depicting the maritime conflict.

In the foreground, Zurbarán arranges a group of officers in a manner that suggests a tactical discussion. A seated figure, likely representing the governor of Cadiz, Fernando Girón, gestures toward the sea with a baton. He is surrounded by other military officials dressed in the contemporary fashion of the Spanish court. Their figures are rendered with a focus on the texture of their armour, the sheen of their fabrics, and the precise details of their ruffs and hats. The lighting is characteristic of the artist, creating clear definition between the figures and the surrounding space.

The background provides a panoramic view of the bay of Cadiz. Numerous ships are engaged in the conflict, with smoke rising from the cannons to obscure parts of the horizon. The coastline is depicted with a sense of distance, leading the eye toward the hills beyond. This work was part of a series of paintings commissioned by Philip IV to celebrate the military successes of his reign. Zurbarán, better known for his religious subjects, demonstrates his ability to handle complex historical narratives and large-scale compositions. The painting remains a significant example of the state-sponsored art produced during the Spanish Golden Age, reflecting the political objectives of the Habsburg monarchy through a blend of portraiture and historical documentation.