A Dutch Ship and Other Small Vessels in a Strong Breeze
- Artist: Willem van de Velde
- Date: 1658
- 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 and Other Small Vessels in a Strong Breeze" by Willem van de Velde. Painted in the Dutch tradition, it's clear that the artist was highly skilled at capturing movement and energy in his work.
The ship dominates the canvas, with its Dutch flag flying proudly from the mainmast. Notice how the arms of the Province of Holland are displayed on the stern - a detail that suggests this is more than just a typical naval scene. The gun ports are open, and the cannon are at the ready, but it's likely they're only preparing for practice rather than actual battle.
Look closely at the small fishing boat in the foreground, tossed about on the crest of the wash left behind the warship. And see how the crew of the flat-bottomed craft, an akaag used for inshore journeys, take in their sail to slow down. It's a great example of Willem van de Velde's ability to capture movement and detail.
The painting is signed across the centre of the sail, although it's faded slightly with age. This little picture shows the influence of Simon de Vlieger, an artist with whom Willem may have studied - in fact, you can see some of de Vlieger's work at the National Gallery too. It's clear that Willem van de Velde was highly influenced by his contemporaries and peers.
The painting is from 1658, made using oil on canvas.
See it in person
A Dutch Ship and Other Small Vessels in a Strong 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.
