Sailing vessels passing a coast of sand dunes

Velde, Willem van de, the Elder, studio of 1611 - 1693

Summary

These shallow waters are crowded with sailing boats rounding a coastline of sand dunes. The full sails of the large ships indicate that a good breeze is blowing. In the foreground, a rowing boat crowded with passengers makes its way toward the busy shore, its Dutch ensign flying. A broad beamed wijdschip, or transport vessel, runs close-hauled under full sail toward us on the right of the picture. On the left, a kaag, or flat bottomed passenger boat, grounded in the shallows, provides for the easy transfer of people and goods. The shore is busy too, with tiny figures, including a horse and cart, making their way to and from this convenient landing point. Although signed Willem van de Velde the Elder, slight faults in the perspective indicate that this is a studio work, probably by the artist's sons Willem and/or Adriaen.