Artwork
Ships in a Calm
Ships in a Calm is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van de Cappelle. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ships in a Calm is a painting by Jan van de Cappelle, a Dutch artist active in Amsterdam during the 17th century. Created around 1650, it is an oil painting that showcases the artist's skill in depicting maritime scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene harbor scene with a warship firing a salute, accompanied by a smaller rowboat filled with people. The calm atmosphere and the use of light to highlight the ship's golden sails evoke a sense of tranquility and celebration.
Technique & Style
Van de Cappelle's use of glazing techniques is evident in the layered, luminous quality of the painting. The blending of pale blues and grays contributes to the peaceful mood, while the contrast between the sails and the muted sky adds depth to the scene.
History & Provenance
The painting is now part of the collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Van de Cappelle, who managed his family's dyeworks alongside his artistic practice, was known for his seascapes, of which Ships in a Calm is a notable example.
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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…
