Since many of us use period paintings as primary resources, I figured these might be helpful, or at the very least cool to see. The artist is Dutch painter, Willem Van de Velde The Elder (1611-1693) who is most known for his paintings of naval battle scenes as well as port scenes and individuals etc. What I always liked about his art is the attention to detail that he adds in, such as figureheads, individual sailors etc. Although I don't think there is any record of him being in the New World, he lived right during the height of privateer/buccaneer activity and the very beginning of the GAOP in the Caribbean and the Main. If anyone wants to add more pics to this post feel free, I've put a few of my favorites. You can find more of his work at this link http://www.artcyclopedia.com , and search Willem Van de Velde the Elder, Enjoy!
-Tattooed John
Figures on Board Small Merchant Vessels
Figures on Board Small Merchant Vessels (1650- 1655)
Peasants (17th century)
The Battle of the Sound (1668)