Artwork

Ships near a pier

Ships near a pier, by Bonaventura Peeters the Elder, oil, 1635
Ships near a pier, by Bonaventura Peeters the Elder, oil, 1635

Ships near a pier is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Bonaventura Peeters the Elder. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Ships near a pier is executed in oil paint on a panel support, consistent with the marine genre practices of Bonaventura Peeters the Elder.

Ships near a pier is executed in oil paint on a panel support, consistent with the marine genre practices of Bonaventura Peeters the Elder. Created in Antwerp, the work measures 36.5 cm in height and 69 cm in width. The painting depicts a maritime scene, adhering to the stylistic conventions of 17th-century Dutch marine art.

While inception dates vary between 1635 and 1650 in records, the work is firmly classified as a painting from the mid-seventeenth century.

History & Provenance

Created in Antwerp, this marine painting was executed by Bonaventura Peeters the Elder. While one record suggests an inception around 1650, the authoritative date for the work is established as 1635. The piece was painted on a panel using oil paints.

Regarding its ownership history, the work was at one point possessed by Gijsbert de Clercq. It subsequently entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains held.

Overview

Ships near a pier is a 1635 oil painting by Bonaventura Peeters the Elder, a prominent Flemish marine artist. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum collection and exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts three large sailing vessels moored at a wooden pier, surrounded by smaller boats. The choppy water and dark, cloudy sky create a dramatic atmosphere, while the striped flags and detailed pier add to the scene's realism.

Ships near the shore in a stiff breeze
Ships near the shore in a stiff breeze, Willem van de Velde the Younger

Artist & collection

Portrait of Bonaventura Peeters the Elder

Artist

Bonaventura Peeters the Elder

Bonaventura Peeters (I) or Bonaventura Peeters the Elder (23 July 1614 – 25 July 1652) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and etcher.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Ships near a pier?

Ships near a pier was painted by Bonaventura Peeters the Elder in 1635.

Where can I see Ships near a pier?

Ships near a pier is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Ships near a pier?

Ships near a pier is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.