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Willem van de Velde, 'Dutch Ships and Small Vessels Offshore in a Breeze', about 1660

About the work

Overview

High, scudding clouds and a restless sea bring a feeling of freshness to Willem van de Velde’s painting. Two lowered white sails seem to tumble towards the water, and echo the froth on the tops of the waves. The breeze is almost palpable, with spars, masts and vessels all leaning at different angles, adding to the energy of the scene.

The sand dunes of the distant shore are thought to be the island of Texel; the boat on the left certainly appears to be flying the city’s blue and white flag, although a discoloured layer of varnish makes it difficult to be sure of the colours. The warship on the extreme right fires a gun in a salute for an important visitor.

Van de Velde painted this picture for his family studio in Amsterdam. Hendrick Dubbels, whose work is also in the National Gallery’s collection, was an assistant there and may have painted the water in the foreground.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Dutch Ships and Small Vessels Offshore in a Breeze
Artist dates
1633 - 1707
Date made
about 1660
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
41.5 × 58.6 cm
Inscription summary
Signed
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1871
Inventory number
NG872
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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