Storm at Sea

Artist Willem van de Velde II (Dutch, 1633–1707)

Dateabout 1675

Mediumoil on panel

Dimensionspanel: 62.5 x 47.3 cm (24 5/8 x 18 5/8 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Terms

Object number1951.3

Label TextThe attribution of this work is linked to van de Velde because of the striking conception of the work, the brilliant treatment of light and atmospheric effects on the sea and sky, and the sensitive way the rigging and masts of the ships have been rendered. Also characteristic of van de Velde are the subtle color accents and pictorial richness gained by varying brushstrokes and the weight of the paint. Only the format is unusual. Although he sometimes used vertical formats for his seascapes, the narrowness of this picture is exceptional in his work. However, an x-radiograph indicates that it has been cut on the left and to a lesser extent on the right. Thus, in its original state the proportions of the painting were probably more characteristic. Willem van de Velde II, a seascapist, was born in Leiden. He was the son of a marine artist, and the elder brother of the painter Adriaen van de Velde. His family settled in Amsterdam by 1626. He probably first studied with his father, who specialized in making meticulous pen drawings of ships. After the French invasion of 1672, both father and son emigrated to England where they were soon in the service of King Charles II, and later, King James II.ProvenanceEarl of Plymouth, Oakley Park, Ludlow; sold at London, Sotheby's, July 13, 1949, to Thesiger. Purchased from Roderic Thesiger, London, UK, 1951.

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