Het Engelse oorlogsschip St. Michael

About this artwork

…; collection Cornelis Gerardus ’t Hooft (1866-1936), Amsterdam;{Note RMA.} his daughter, Ernee P. van der Linden, née 't Hooft (1911-2004) and his son, Dr. Cornelis Gerardus ‘t Hooft Jr., Leersum; from whom, fl. 800, to the museum, 1961

Art Historical Context

Willem van de Velde the Younger created this expressive brush drawing of the English warship St. Michael during his long career documenting naval vessels. A leading figure in 17th-century Dutch marine art, van de Velde specialized in precise yet atmospheric studies of ships, often working in pen, ink, and wash to capture the intricate rigging, hull lines, and movement of water. His works served both as artistic records and practical references for naval architecture. The medium here—a fluid brush technique—allows for dynamic shading that brings the powerful warship to life on paper. Measuring...