Artwork

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast, by Johann Christoph Dietzsch, gouache, 1740
Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast, by Johann Christoph Dietzsch, gouache, 1740

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast is a gouache drawing by the Baroque artist Johann Christoph Dietzsch. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast is a 1740 gouache drawing on vellum by Johann Christoph Dietzsch.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a turbulent marine scene with three ships crashing into rocky outcrops, one of which is already broken apart amidst swirling, dark waters.

Technique & Style

Executed in gouache on vellum, the work features vivid, chalky colors that lend an intense, unnatural luminosity to the scene.

Context

Dietzsch's fascination with storms and shipwrecks is evident in this dramatic representation, a theme that was also explored by other artists, such as Willem van de Velde the Elder.

Artist & collection

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast?

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast was painted by Johann Christoph Dietzsch in 1740.

Where can I see Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast?

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast?

Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast?

Museum-quality prints of Storm-Tossed Ships Wrecked on a Rocky Coast are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.