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A Mediterranean Brigantine Drifting Onto a Rocky Coast in a Storm, c.1700 (oil on canvas)
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A Mediterranean Brigantine Drifting Onto a Rocky Coast in a Storm, c.1700 (oil on canvas)
7342589 A Mediterranean Brigantine Drifting Onto a Rocky Coast in a Storm, c.1700 (oil on canvas) by Velde, Willem van de, the Younger (1633-1707); 63.5x76.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Willem van de Velde, the Younger
In the centre of the picture is a brigantine or similar Mediterranean type of ship drifting stern-first on to the rocks. Viewed from before the port beam she is sinking and at an angle in the waves. The end of the lateen mainsail is shown at an angle where it has broken off. A man can be seen reaching the head of the mainmast, which bears a tattered striped flag. The artist has concentrated on the plight of those on the ship and sailors are visible both on the deck and climbing the rigging. One figure can be seen standing on the foretop with his arms outstretched.
On the left brilliant light shines through a break in the dark clouds and lights up the sea around the vessel as well as picking up highlights on the masts and sails. Men are swimming from the stern towards a small rock in he middle distance on the right. A high coastline cast in shadow can just be seen beyond. The vessel is an unusual type for van de Velde to have painted and may be a result of his visit to the Mediterranean in 1694. The interpretation of the subject of this painting is thought to be based on a pen-and-ink drawing in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with an inscription that may imply the shipwreck of St Paul on Malta.
The artist was the younger son of Willem van de Velde the Elder. Born in Leiden, he studied under Simon de Vlieger in Weesp and in 1652 moved back to Amsterdam. He worked in his father's studio and developed the skill of carefully drawing ships in tranquil settings. He changed his subject matter, however, when he came with his father to England in 1672-73, by a greater concentration on royal yachts, men-of-war and storm scenes. From this time painting sea battles for Charles II and his brother (and Lord High Admiral) James, Duke of York, and other patrons, became a priority. Unlike his father's works, however, they were not usually eyewitness accounts. After his father's death in 1693 his continuing role as an official marine painter obliged him to be more frequently present at significant maritime events.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38177318
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Danger Dangerous Marinescape Mediterranean Sea Mediterrean Sea Oil (painting) Oil On Wood Risk Sail Boat Sail Boats Sailboat Sailboats Sailing Boat Sailing Ship Sea Painting Seas Seashore Seawater Ship Wreck Ship Wrecked Shipwreck Shipwrecked Storm Stormy Tempest Threat Unsafe
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This stunning oil on canvas painting by Willem van de Velde the Younger captures a dramatic moment at sea as a Mediterranean brigantine drifts onto a rocky coast in the midst of a storm. The ship is depicted sinking and at an angle in the waves, with sailors visible on deck and climbing the rigging in desperation. One figure can be seen standing on the foretop with his arms outstretched, highlighting the perilous situation.
The artist expertly contrasts light and shadow, with brilliant light shining through dark clouds illuminating the sea around the vessel and picking up highlights on the masts and sails. Men are shown swimming towards safety on a small rock in the distance as they struggle to survive.
Van de Velde's skillful depiction of this shipwreck scene may have been inspired by his visit to the Mediterranean in 1694. Known for his detailed renderings of ships in tranquil settings, he shifted his focus to royal yachts, men-of-war, and storm scenes during his time working for Charles II and James, Duke of York.
This artwork not only showcases van de Velde's talent but also tells a compelling story of survival against nature's fury at sea.
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