A Dutch Ship, a Yacht and Smaller Vessels in a Breeze
- Artist: Willem van de Velde
- Date: about 1660
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Dutch Ship, a Yacht and Smaller Vessels in a Breeze" by Willem van de Velde. Painted around 1660, the medium is oil on canvas. At its centre is a Statenjacht, a state yacht used by the Dutch chamber of provincial delegates, flying the Dutch colours and the arms of the Province of Holland.
To the right is an akaag, an inshore vessel with a flat bottom often used as a ferry. Notice how the two vessels interact with each other and the surrounding environment. The way they're positioned tells us about their purpose and movement. The merchant ship further away to the left is also caught in the gentle breeze.
It's believed that Willem van de Velde the Younger may have collaborated on this picture with his father, Willem the Elder, and younger brother Adriaen, who all worked together at their family studio.
See it in person
A Dutch Ship, a Yacht and Smaller Vessels in a Breeze hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
