Coast Scene: figures on a quay in the foreground and sailing boats on a windswept sea (Alternative Title: Coast Scene with Boats and Figures)

Ludolf, I Backhuysen 1630 - 1708

Summary

In the 17th century Holland's prosperity was dependent on the sea; predictably, it became a popular subject for Dutch artists. Here, four figures brave the strong wind on a jetty, while two small boats tilt with full sails and taut rigging on the choppy sea. Backhuysen was born in Germany and moved to Amsterdam in 1649 to study marine painting. A pupil of Allart van Everdingen and later of Hendrick Dubbels, he became the most celebrated marine painter of his time, after the well known van de Velde family moved to England on the outbreak of war again between England and Holland in 1672. Backhuysen was particularly well known for his choppy seas, and spent much time sketching from boats on the Scheld and Amstel rivers in bad weather in order to capture the mood of his subject. He preferred to capture the forces of nature, rather than nautical details such as sails and rigging. In this painting, towering cumuli occupy three quarters of the canvas, emphasising that nature is his subject. It is seen to its fullest advantage in this local narrative.

Display Label

Coast Scene around 1680 Ludolf Backhuysen 1631 - 1708 Oil on canvas Holland's prosperity was dependent on the sea. Its various moods became a popular subject for artists. In literature, rough seas were often likened to the perilous journey through life, or to the ups and downs of a love affair, hopefully ending in a safe harbour. Backhuysen was the most celebrated sea painter of the time and was particularly famous for his choppy seas. His aim was to capture the forces of nature in paint rather than rigging and other nautical details. He was known to have spent much time in bad weather sketching from boats on the Scheld and Amstel rivers in order to capture the mood of his subject. Assheton - Bennett bequest 1979.442