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 Willem van de Velde the Younger was a Dutch marine painter.
Willem van de Velde was baptised on 18 December 1633 in Leiden, Holland, Dutch Republic.
A son of Willem van de Velde the Elder, also a painter of sea-pieces, Willem van de Velde, the younger, was instructed by his father, and afterwards by Simon de Vlieger, a marine painter of repute at the time, and had achieved great celebrity by his art before he came to London. By 1673 he had moved to England, where he was engaged by Charles II, at a salary of £100, to aid his father in "taking and making draughts of sea-fights", his part of the work being to reproduce in color the drawings of the elder Van de Velde. He was also patronized by the Duke of York and by various members of the nobility.
He died on 6 April 1707 in London, England, and was buried at St. James's Church.
Most of Van de Velde's finest works represent views off the coast of Holland, with Dutch shipping. His best productions are delicate, spirited and finished in handling, and correct in the drawing of the vessels and their rigging. The numerous figures are tellingly introduced, and the artist is successful in his renderings of sea, whether in calm or storm. The ships are portrayed with almost photographic accuracy, and are the most precise guides available to the appearance of 17th-century ships.
There are a number of van de Velde's marine paintings in the Wallace Collection, London, including "The Embarkation of King Charles II at Scheveningen, 1660".
The Battle of Texel, painted 1687
The burning of the Royal James at the Battle of Solebay
HMS St Andrew at sea in a moderate breeze, painted c. 1673
Ships riding quietly at anchor c.1670s
An English Man-o-War in a Gale c.1680's
Calm: Fishing Boats Under Sail c.1655-60
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Early Life and Career
Willem van de Velde the Elder, a renowned Dutch Golden Age seascape painter, was born in Leiden, Netherlands, around 1611. His father, Willem Willemsz van de Velde, was a Flemish skipper, which likely influenced his son's interest in maritime art.
Artistic Style and Technique
Van de Velde's work is characterized by its precision and attention to detail. He pioneered the technique of pen painting (penschilderij), which involved creating detailed, durable artworks using ink on panel or canvas. This innovative approach allowed his pieces to resemble elaborate drawings while maintaining the durability of a painting.
Notable Works and Collaborations
* The Battle of Texel, 1687 (oil on canvas)
* The Burning of the Royal James at the Battle of Solebay (drawing)
* Collaboration with Charles II of England, producing paintings of British ships and naval battles
Museums and Collections Featuring Van de Velde's Work
* The Mauritshuis, Netherlands (features Dutch Golden Age paintings, including works by Van de Velde)
* The Kremer Collection, The Hague, Netherlands (a private art museum with a focus on 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings)
Legacy and Impact
Willem van de Velde the Elder's contributions to Dutch Golden Age seascape painting are undeniable. His innovative techniques, attention to detail, and collaborations with prominent figures have solidified his place in art history.
The Museum Universiteitsbibliotheek (Leiden, Netherlands) - A Comprehensive Guide on WahooArt.com provides further insight into the cultural context of Van de Velde's work. |
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