Artwork
A State Yacht and Other Craft in Calm Water
A State Yacht and Other Craft in Calm Water is an oil painting by Jan van de Cappelle. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Created in 1745, the work illustrates a pivotal moment in their mythology where the two brothers arrive at the city destined for their future deeds.
The painting depicts the Hindu deities Krishna and Balarama as they approach the city of Mathura. Created in 1745, the work illustrates a pivotal moment in their mythology where the two brothers arrive at the city destined for their future deeds. The subject focuses on the figures of Krishna and Balarama, capturing their presence as they move toward the urban setting.
This scene represents the narrative of their journey and the impending events associated with their arrival in Mathura.
History & Provenance
The painting Krishna and Balarama Approaching Mathura was created in 1745 by an unknown artist. The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is held under accession number 1938.302. No specific details regarding the original commission, earlier ownership history, or the circumstances of its acquisition by the museum are provided in the available records. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1660, this marine painting by Jan van de Cappelle utilizes oil paint applied to a wooden panel support. The work measures 69.9 cm in height and 92.4 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition focuses on maritime subjects, specifically depicting ships and boats situated in calm waters.
The piece is classified as a painting within the marine art genre, characterized by its realistic portrayal of vessels on a tranquil sea.
Overview
Jan van de Cappelle's 1660 oil painting, "A State Yacht and Other Craft in Calm Water," exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age marine genre. This work captures a tranquil scene of various vessels resting on placid waters, a characteristic subject for the artist. It is currently housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Jan van de Cappelle, a prominent Dutch Golden Age painter, maintained a dual professional life. While celebrated for his seascapes, he also managed his family's successful dyeworks in Amsterdam. This enterprise specialized in producing carmine, a valuable and costly dye, providing him with financial independence that likely influenced his artistic pursuits.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan van de Cappelle (or Joannes / van der / Capelle in various combinations; 25 January 1626 (baptized) – 22 December 1679 (buried)) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of seascapes and winter landscapes, also notable as an industrialist and…
