Kapers and Commissievaarders: The Dutch Privateer

Abstract

Claes Compaen’s original occupation, privateering—the legal practice of attacking and capturing enemy ships and goods—was widely practiced throughout Europe during the Golden Age.¹ Indeed, it was a feature of Dutch maritime life long before then, arising as a distinct and recognizable activity by the end of the fourteenth century.² After the establishment of the first Admiralty in the Netherlands, in the city of Veere in 1488, privateering became somewhat more institutionalized and prevalent.³ It flourished, especially from 1551 to 1556, when at least 20–30 privateering ships per year set sail to hound and harass the French.⁴ During this era, it probably found its most ardent practitioners in Zeeland, but Friesland, too, produced privateers, most notably in the legendary figure of “Grote Piet.”⁵