Artwork

Ships in a Gale

Ships in a Gale, by Ludolf Bakhuizen, 1701
Ships in a Gale, by Ludolf Bakhuizen, 1701

Ships in a Gale is a work on paper by the Baroque artist Ludolf Bakhuizen. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1924.848.6

About this work

Overview

Ships in a Gale is a marine painting by Ludolf Backhuysen, created in 1701. It is part of a portfolio and is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a stormy sea with five ships struggling to stay afloat, conveying the drama and power of nature. The artist emphasizes the turmoil of the water, rendering the ships relatively small.

Technique & Style

The composition is characteristic of 17th-century marine art, which often highlighted nature's fury. The focus on dramatic lighting and intense action is typical of the Baroque style, which was prevalent during this period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ludolf Bakhuizen

Artist

Ludolf Bakhuizen

Ludolf Bakhuizen (28 December 1630 or 1632 – 7 November 1708) was a German-born Dutch painter, draughtsman, calligrapher and printmaker.

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Ships in a Gale?

Ships in a Gale was painted by Ludolf Bakhuizen in 1701.

Where can I see Ships in a Gale?

Ships in a Gale is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Ships in a Gale?

Ships in a Gale is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Ships in a Gale?

Museum-quality prints of Ships in a Gale are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.