Seascape with a yacht sailing under a rainy sky

Velde, Willem van de, the Younger 1633 - 1707

Summary

Willem van de Velde brought the Dutch seascape tradition to England when he came to London at the invitation of Charles II in 1672. The small size of this panel is unusual for van de Velde, whose seascapes were usually of impressive dimensions. It was undoubtedly intended for sale on the open market, and may have been partly painted by a studio assistant. The small cargo vessel, or kaag, is well drawn and the artist effectively evokes a stormy sea and threatening sky through contrasts of light and shade. Another boat sails close behind and a much larger vessel is at anchor on the horizon. Sailors are busy in the bows and one leans precariously over the side, despite the choppy sea. Huge rain clouds cast dark shadows over the water and the kaag's full sails and wet hull are lit by a dramatic break in the clouds. Tiny seagulls add a sense of scale. Van de Velde II's signature is on the piece of driftwood bobbing in the foreground, a characteristic device of the artist.

Display Label

Seascape with a Yacht Sailing under a Rainy Sky  about 1660

Willem van de Velde, the Younger  1633-1707

Oil on panel

The small size of this panel is unusual for van de Velde who was the most impressive painter of seascapes. It was undoubtedly intended for sale on the open market, and may have been partly painted by a studio assistant. The small cargo vessel, or kaag, is well drawn and the artist effectively evokes a stormy sea and threatening sky through contrasts of light and shade.

Willem van de Velde brought the Dutch seascape tradition to England when he came to London at the invitation of Charles II in 1672.

Assheton Bennett bequest  1979.511