Artwork
Dutch Vessels
Dutch Vessels is a drawing by the Romanticist artist John Greenwood. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Dutch Vessels is a drawing created by John Greenwood in 1761 using Indian ink. The work is signed and dated by the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts three old-style Dutch ships sailing on calm water, with loose sails and sturdy but simple designs. A shoreline with trees is visible in the background under a subdued sky.
Technique & Style
Greenwood employed ink to capture the shapes and lines of the vessels, executing the drawing with a sense of rapidity. Variations in line density suggest shadows, achieved through differing levels of ink application.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Greenwood painted people—portraits and family scenes in the late 1700s. Look at *The Greenwood-Lee Family* or *Mrs. Henry Bromfield* to see how he framed faces and clothes with quiet detail. These works sit in that…
